Bordetella pertussis
Bordetella pertussis is a bacterium responsible for causing whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease. The bacteria primarily infect the human respiratory system and attach to the cilia lining the respiratory tract, which leads to inflammation and excessive production of thick mucus.
About
The bacteria primarily infect the human respiratory system and attach to the cilia lining the respiratory tract, which leads to inflammation and excessive production of thick mucus. The characteristic symptoms of whooping cough include severe coughing spells, accompanied by a "whooping" sound during inhalation. The disease mainly affects infants and young children but can also affect adults. The Wikipedia page on Bordetella pertussis provides comprehensive information about the bacterium, including its morphology, transmission, pathogenesis, and diagnosis. It also covers the history of the bacteria and the development of vaccines to prevent whooping cough. Additionally, the page addresses the global impact of the disease, its epidemiology, and the current efforts in controlling and preventing its spread.