Pathogen: Bordetella pertussis is a gram‑negative, obligate aerobic coccobacillus.
Pathophysiology
Proliferation of Bordetella pertussis on ciliated epithelial cells of the respiratory mucosa → production of virulence factors (e.g., tracheal cytotoxin) → paralysis of respiratory epithelium cilia and inflammation → secretion of inflammatory exudate into respiratory tract → compromise of small airways → cough, pneumonia, cyanosis
Bordetella pertussis produces pertussis toxin → ADP-ribosylation of the α subunit of Gi protein → inhibition of Gi protein → adenylate cyclase disinhibition → cAMP accumulation → impaired cell signaling pathways → systemic manifestations associated with whooping cough (e.g., hypoglycemia, lymphocytosis, modulation of host immune response)
