Bordetella pertussis

Bordetella pertussis (pronunciation: bor-deh-tell-uh per-tuss-is) is a Gram-negative, aerobic, pathogenic bacterium of the genus Bordetella. It is the causative agent of pertussis, also known as whooping cough.

Etymology

The bacterium is named after the Belgian bacteriologist Jules Bordet, who first isolated it in 1906. The term pertussis comes from the Latin pertussis, meaning "violent cough".

Description

Bordetella pertussis is a small, Gram-negative, coccobacillus. It is strictly aerobic and is non-motile. The bacterium is encapsulated and has a complex life cycle, with a number of virulence factors that help it to evade the immune system and establish infection.

Pathogenesis and Clinical Features

Bordetella pertussis causes pertussis, or whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease. The bacterium attaches to the cilia of the respiratory epithelial cells, produces toxins that paralyze the cilia, and causes inflammation of the respiratory tract, leading to the characteristic severe coughing fits followed by a high-pitched "whoop" sound.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of pertussis is based on clinical symptoms and confirmed by culture or PCR of a nasopharyngeal swab. Treatment is with antibiotics, primarily macrolides such as erythromycin.

Prevention

Prevention of pertussis is primarily through vaccination with the DTP or aP vaccines.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Bordetella pertussis
Wikipedia's article - Bordetella pertussis

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Bordetella pertussis