Bordatella Flashcards
Describe the appearance of Bordatella organisms
Gram negative coccobacilli
What is the primary/most important disease caused by Bordatella?
Pertussis/Whooping Cough
What are the virulence factors of Bordatella?
LPS, 0 antigen, fimbriae, fimbrial hemagluttinin antigen, pertussis toxin, dermonecrotic toxin, tracheal cytotoxin, adenylate cyclase
What is the 0 Antigen?
It is a cellular antigen that interacts with TLR-4 and is very inflammatory.
What is the fimbrial hemagglutinin?
These are short filaments on the cell surface of Bordatella organisms that are involved in the adherence to mucosal surfaces. The are the major component of new acellular vaccines.
What is the mechanism of the pertussis toxin?
It leads to increased levels of intracellular cAMP which inhibits monocyte and neutrophil activation and killing. It also causes lymphocytosis.
What are the major components of the new acellular vaccine for bordatella?
The fimbrial hemagglutinin, the pertussis toxin, and the 0M protein.
What is the mechanism of the tracheal cytotoxin of Bordatella?
It inhibits and kills ciliated cells, prevents them from beating and triggers inflammation in the trachea
What is the virulence mechanism of adenylate cyclase
it increases levels of intracellular cAMP and inhibits monocyte and neutrophil activation/killing.
Is Bordatella found as normal flora?
NO! There is no such thing as a carrier state. It is only found in humans with the disease.
How is Bordatella transmitted?
From person to person via respiratory droplets.
Who is most susceptible to a Bordatella infection?
newborns!
Why are newborns most susceptible to a broadtail infection?
They have no maternal antibodies yet
What are the two stages of Bordatella infection?
The catarrhal stage and the paroxysmal stage
What are the symptoms in the Catarrhal stage?
Mild symptoms of an uncomplicated URT, sore throat, fever, runny nose.
What is the pathogenesis of Bordatella infection in the Catarrhal stage?
The bacteria attach to ciliated epithelial cells via (FHA) of the nasopharynx, they spread to the trachea and bronchi (with possible life-threatening bronchopneumonia), then they inhibit ciliary function and proliferate on the bacterial surface. There is also inflammation with pertussis toxin production.
In which of the two stages of the Bordatella infection is the individual infectious?
The catarrhal stage is highly infectious and persists for 10-14 days.
What are the symptoms of the paroxysmal stage of Bordatella infection?
There is a progression to the classic ‘whooping’ cough with attacks of coughing lasting 1-2 min. May be associated with vomiting, severe facial congestion, and appearance of suffocation.
What is the life-threatening problem of the paroxysmal stage of Bordatella infection?
The mucous can block the airway in infants which is life threatening.
What are other complications of the paroxysmal stage of Bordatella infection?
Neuropathy, seizures, secondary infection of the ears, sinuses or lower respiratory tract
What is the pathogenesis of the paroxysmal stage of Bordatella infection?
It is complex and involves anoxia from coughing as well as the neurological effect of the numerous bacterial toxins.
How long does the paroxsymal stage last in Bordatella infection?
1-6 weeks
Is the person still infectious in the paroxysmal stage of Bordatella infection?
Yes, but there is decreasing communicability.
What is the best way to diagnose Bordatella Infection?
Perinasal nasopharyngeal swab with culture on special media, PCR, and direct fluorescent AB staining, as well as serology for IgM/IgA to pertussis toxin
