Bordatella Pertussis

Question 1

Transmission

Answer 1

Highly contagious
Spreads via respiratory droplets
Attaches to respiratory epithelium via pili, and then releases toxins (pili- filamentous hemagglutinins)

Question 2

Toxins

Answer 2

Pertussis toxin:
Adenylate cyclase toxin:
Tracheal toxin:

Question 3

Pertussis toxin

Answer 3

ADP ribosylates Gi (inhibits an inhibitor), which increases cAMP
This also causes lymphocytosis

Question 4

Adenylate cyclase toxin

Answer 4

similar to Bacillus anthracis toxin (EF toxin)- binds directly to AC to increase cAMP

Question 5

Tracheal toxin

Answer 5

Part of the peptidoglycan wall that damages ciliated cells of the respiratory epithelium

Question 6

Clinical findings

Answer 6

Initial- catarrhal phase: Non-specific symptoms initially (conjunctival injection and lacrimation)

Paroxysmal stage (2wks- 2 mo): Characteristic cough (whooping)

Convalescent stage: consists of a gradual reduction in symptoms (can also last for months)

Question 7

Tx

Answer 7

Tx: Macrolides

Question 8

Prevention

Answer 8

Acellular vaccine (purified antigens- given with Diphtheria and Tetanus) 
*the aP in DTaP stands for acellular pertussis