Microbiology - Microbes: Bordetella pertussis

Borticella pertussis is a gram-negative bacterium that causes pertussis or whooping cough. It has a cocobacillus shape, which is kind of like an oval shape, and it is aerobic, meaning it requires oxygen to survive. The bacterium attaches to the cilia, which are hair-like structures that line the respiratory tract. After attachment, the bacteria multiply and release toxins, which paralyze the ciliated cells and cause the airway to swell. The good news is that pertussis is preventable with vaccination with the DTaP and Tdap vaccines.

For more information about pertussis, check out our full length video about that infection.