Infections of the respiratory tract

Question 1

B.pertussis organism produces several toxins, what do they do?

Answer 1

-Increase respiratory secretions and mucus production

Question 2

The B.pertussis bacteria have specific adhesions, what do they do?

Answer 2

-Allow it to attach to the ciliated respiratory mucosa

Question 3

How is pertussis diagnosed? (whooping cough)

Answer 3

-PCR- used to copy segments of DNA

Question 4

What are the symptoms of pertussis in adults? (whooping cough)

Answer 4

• Starts as a cold then paroxysmal cough for 12 weeks

Known as the 100-day cough

Question 5

What is the tracheal cytotoxin?

Answer 5

-A cell wall component that kills tracheal epithelial cells

Question 6

What does the tracheal cytotoxin do?

Answer 6

• Partially immobilises the mucociliary escalator

- Causes accumulation of mucus in the airway

Question 7

How to treat pertussis?(Whooping Cough)

Answer 7

• Oxygen
• Suction of excess mucus
• Antibiotics

Question 8

How can pertussis/ whooping cough be prevented?

Answer 8

-Vaccination (TDap)

Question 9

How is B.pertussis transmitted?

Answer 9

• Respiratory droplets

- Highly contagious

Question 10

What type of bacteria is B.pertussis?

Answer 10

• Gram-negative (pink)

- Coccobacillus (Ball+ Rod)