Bordetella Pertussis Flashcards
Characteristics of B. Pertussis x2
- small
- gram -ve cocci
Highly significant in which age groups? What complications could follow?
Highly significant in children
Clinical features x3
- insidious onset
- catarrhal stage with common cold symptoms
- paroxysmal coughing
- residual cough
Symptoms of whooping cough
- shortness of breath during coughing
- nocturnal coughing
- post-tussive vomitting
- tingling sensation in back of throat
Mode of action of b. Pertusis
The organism infects the ciliated epithelial layer of the respiratory tract without invading deeper, resulting in acute tracheobronchitis
Name 2 things that aid the invasion of the epithelial layer
Pertussis toxin
Filamentous hemagglutinin
What is the outer membrane protein that promotes its attachment to tracheal epithelial cells?
Pertactin
What is the function of pertactin?
It promotes the attachment of bordetella pertussis to tracheal epithelial cells
Name 4 toxins involved with b.pertussis
- pertussis toxin
- adenylate cyclase / hemolysin
- tracheal cytotoxin
- lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin)
Diagnosis of B. Pertussis
Hold BG culture plate in front of mouth when coughing
Perinasal swab of posterior pharyngeal walls
Treatment of B. Pertussis
Erythromycin for 14 days
Skilled nursing, removal of mucous and vomit
What does bordetella pertussis cause?
Whooping cough
