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.