DiaSorin S.p.A launched FDA cleared Simplexa Bordetella direct molecular test in the United States. The test is intended to quickly provide qualitative detection and differentiation of both Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis in human nasopharyngeal swabs. The same test was already launched in European market in 2017. 

According to the World Health Organization, Pertussis i.e. whooping cough is a highly contagious disease of the respiratory tract caused by Bordetella pertussis affecting people of all ages. Particularly infants are more prominently affected that can result in hypoxia, permanent brain damage or death. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, globally approximately 24.1 million cases of pertussis and about 160,700 deaths per year has been reported.