Pertussis

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious acute respiratory tract infection caused by the bacterium *Bordetella pertussis* The pathogen adheres to the ciliated epithelial cells of the respiratory tract and produces multiple toxins that impair mucociliary clearance and induce local necrosis and airway inflammation While pertussis affects individuals of all ages, infants younger than one year are at highest risk for life-threatening complications, frequently presenting wi...

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious acute respiratory tract infection caused by the bacterium *Bordetella pertussis*

The pathogen adheres to the ciliated epithelial cells of the respiratory tract and produces multiple toxins that impair mucociliary clearance and induce local necrosis and airway inflammation Clinically, the disease typically progresses through catarrhal, paroxysmal, and convalescent stages, characteristically presenting with prolonged paroxysms of severe coughing often followed by an inspiratory whoop or posttussive emesis

The pathogen adheres to the ciliated epithelial cells of the respiratory tract and produces multiple toxins that impair mucociliary clearance and induce local necrosis and airway inflammation

Clinically, the disease typically progresses through catarrhal, paroxysmal, and convalescent stages, characteristically presenting with prolonged paroxysms of severe coughing often followed by an inspiratory whoop or posttussive emesis

While pertussis affects individuals of all ages, infants younger than one year are at highest risk for life-threatening complications, frequently presenting with apnea, cyanosis, and respiratory failure rather than the classic paroxysmal cough

While pertussis affects individuals of all ages, infants younger than one year are at highest risk for life-threatening complications, frequently presenting with apnea, cyanosis, and respiratory failure rather than the classic paroxysmal cough