Objective:

To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic process, management, and potential mechanisms of plastic bronchitis (PB) temporally associated with Bordetella pertussis infection in a vaccinated child.

Approach:

• Case Report: The clinical course of a 6-year-old boy with PB complicating lower respiratory tract infection was documented, including clinical features, laboratory findings, imaging, bronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) pathogen detection, treatment, and follo…

Key Findings:

• BALFpathogendetectionidentifiedBordetellapertussisandRhinovirusAashigh-confidencepathogens,withAspergillusfumigatusandEpstein–Barrvirusdetectedatlowerconfidencelevels.

Interpretation:

This case reports a potential temporal association between PB and Bordetella pertussis infection in a vaccinated child with atypical clinical features.

Limitations:

• CausalitycannotbedefinitivelyestablishedduetothepresenceofcopathogensandthelowsequencecountofBordetellapertussis.

Conclusion:

Early bronchoscopy with BALF analysis is indicated in children with pneumonia complicated by persistent atelectasis or poor response to empirical therapy.