Beyond Pertussis: Bordetella holmesii Bacteremia in Children With Sickle Cell Disease: A Case Series with Literature Review

Bordetella holmesii is a rare but increasingly recognized cause of invasive infection in children with sickle cell disease, often misidentified as B. pertussis due to evolving diagnostic limitations and reduced β-lactam susceptibility. We describe 2 cases of bacteremia, highlighting diagnostic challenges and emphasizing the importance of clinical recognition to guide timely, appropriate antimicrobial therapy and improve outcomes.