Bordetella pertussis

Dr Tadayo Hashimoto M.D.
Professor
Department of Microbiology & Immunology

Correlate the progression of the disease and the characteristic clinical symptoms of whooping cough with virulence factors of B. pertussis.

See the following chart.

Introduction of B. pertussis to the respiratory tract

Attachment to ciliated cells mediated by various adhesins (Fha, pili etc.)

Immobilization and selective destruction of the cilia by tracheal toxin allowing bacterial survival and colonization in the respiratory tract

Inflammatory responses - mucous accumulation in the tracheal and bronchial space - Coughing

Endotoxin induces IL1, TNFa which cause fever in the host (Fever)
PT induces lymphocytosis, histamine sensitization, immuno-suppression etc)
Adenyl cyclase (Antiphagocytic)

B. pertussis normally does not invade the cells of the respiratory tract, blood vessel, or alveoli (no sepsis or systemic infection)

Gradual immune response starts to clear bacteria

Convalescence or complication (bacterial superinfection, convulsion, hemorrhage, anoxia etc.)

Once recovered, it usually provides life-long immunity to the patient

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Last Reviewed: Feb 11, 2009
Created: Aug 5, 1996