In this review of the literature data are collected from the more recent studies on the susceptibility of Bordetella pertussis to penicillins, cephalosporins, other beta-lactam antibiotics, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, erythromycin, josamycin, co-trimoxazole and various other antibiotics. The methods of susceptibility testing of B. pertussis are discussed and suggestions for standardization are made.