Pertussis Flashcards
What are the 4 kinds of virulence factors of Pertussis?
Pertussis Toxin, Fimbriae, Filamentous Hemaglutanin, Pertactin
What does the Pertussis toxin do?
Deactivate Gi-coupled protein from turning off adenyl cyclase increasing cAMP interfering with cellular communication. Decreases the immune systems ability to respond.
What are symptoms of Pertussis?
A cough lasting for more than 14 days with paroxysmal cough with a whoop and/or post-tussive emesis. NO FEVER. No sputum. More common in females.
What are reasons for the recent resurgence of Pertussis?
Increased awareness, better diagnostics, decreased vaccination coverage, suboptimal vaccines, waning immunity from vaccines, and pathogen adaption.
What does Cherry recommend?
More frequent vaccinations with 10 year booster program to keep the antibody titer higher.
What is Mooi’s theory of the increased insurgence?
He believes the pathogens can be getting selected to produce more Ptx by the vaccinations, thus the more potent strains are the ones being contracted.
