Bordetella pertussis

Question 1

What type of pathogen is Bordetella pertussis?

Answer 1

Gram negative coccobacillus

Question 2

Where does Bordetella pertussis reside?

Answer 2

Respiratory of epithelium (cilia) of humans

Question 3

What is the most common disease/infection of Bordetella pertussis?

Answer 3

Pertussis or whooping cough: 3 stages of catarrhal (mild cold symptoms), paroxysmal (uncontrollable cough), convalescent (recovering)

Question 4

What is the portal of entry of Bordetella pertussis?

Answer 4

Mouth/nose via inhalation

Question 5

What is the pathogenesis of Bordetella pertussis?

Answer 5

Tracheal cytotoxin: paralyzes method so the mucus does not move up and out resulting in cough

Question 6

Can Bordetella pertussis be treated with antibiotics?

Answer 6

Yes, only helpful at the beginning of disease
Around week 3, the antibiotics do not help bc of toxins

Question 7

Is Bordetella pertussis a bad pathogen?

Answer 7

50% of infants with pertussis die
Abx help keep bacteria from being transmitted to others. Vaccination is key