3.15 Bordetella Pertussis
Microbiology review for the USMLE Step 1 exam
- Bordetella pertussis is a gram-negative bacterium that causes whooping cough
- Spread through respiratory droplets, most people are vaccinated against it
- Adheres to ciliated respiratory epithelial cells and produces toxins that cause inflammation and systemic effects
- Pertussis toxin and tracheal cytotoxin are important toxins secreted by the bacteria
- Symptoms include four stages: incubation, catarrhal, paroxysmal, and convalescent
- Infants and unvaccinated people are most commonly affected
- Treatment is mostly supportive, including oxygen, suctioning, hydration, and avoidance of respiratory irritants.
