Micro| Bordetella Pertussis

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.