What is the infectious agent of whooping cough?

Pertussis, a respiratory illness commonly known as whooping cough, is a very contagious disease caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis.

What toxin causes whooping cough?

Pertussis toxin and adenylate cyclase toxin are two important virulence factors of Bordetella pertussis, the bacterial cause of the respiratory disease pertussis or whooping cough.

Is whooping cough gram positive or negative?

(Whooping Cough) Pertussis is a highly contagious infection caused by the gram-negative bacteria Bordetella pertussis, which results in fits of coughing that usually end in a prolonged, high-pitched, deeply indrawn breath (the whoop). Pertussis usually affects children and adolescents.

Where does whooping cough bacteria come from?

Pertussis is also known as whooping cough. It is a highly infectious bacterial disease involving the respiratory tract. It is caused by a bacterium (Bordetella pertussis or Bordetella Parapertussis ) that is found in the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person.

What is the name of the bacteria that causes whooping cough?

Whooping cough is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, tiny germ-laden droplets are sprayed into the air and breathed into the lungs of anyone who happens to be nearby. The whooping cough vaccine you receive as a child eventually wears off.

When to get a whooping cough booster shot?

Adolescents. Because immunity from the pertussis vaccine tends to wane by age 11, doctors recommend a booster shot at that age to protect against whooping cough (pertussis), diphtheria and tetanus. Adults. Some varieties of the every-10-year tetanus and diphtheria vaccine also include protection against whooping cough (pertussis).

Who are some famous people that have whooping cough?

CDC: “Pertussis (Whooping Cough).”, Mayo Clinic: “Whooping Cough.”; krooogle; JGI/Tom Grill; Paul Bradbury; Thomas Brugger; George Doyle; sipaphoto; Arthur Tilley; Image Source; Olivia Bell Photography; AudioJungle. © 2016 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.

Do you get a whoop when you have a whooping cough?

Thick mucus accumulates inside your airways, causing uncontrollable coughing. Severe and prolonged coughing attacks may: However, many people don’t develop the characteristic whoop. Sometimes, a persistent hacking cough is the only sign that an adolescent or adult has whooping cough. Infants may not cough at all.