Bordetella Pertussis Research Paper

Bordetella pertussis is the cause of pertussis which is also known as whooping cough. It is a gram negative pleomorphic bacillus. Pertussis is highly contagious and can be deadly to newborn infants because they do not have the immunity to protect against this disease. Every year there are outbreaks of pertussis especially in the high school age children, even though most have had the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis) Vaccine. Humans are the only host to the Bordetella pertussis bacterium and are spread by droplets, especially when the infected individual is having spasmodic coughing.
Infants are the most susceptible to contracting pertussis because their immune system is not yet fully developed. The CDC now recommends that anyone who will be near the infant receive the Tdap Vaccine as a preventative measure. The pregnant mother receives the Tdap vaccine between the 27th and 36th week of pregnancy to help protect her from receiving pertussis. Per the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, pertussis fatally affects less than 1% of
The number one option is azithromycin, other options include clarithromycin and erythromycin. Infants are usually admitted for close observation to monitor oxygen levels, breathing and to make sure they are getting enough nutrition and fluids. Asymptomatic close contacts to the person diagnosed with pertussis are treated prophylactically to prevent them from developing and spreading the disease.
In conclusion, Bordetella pertussis causes a disease known commonly as pertussis. It is a gram-negative bacillus that can be fatal to newborns and infants. The disease causes a prolonged cough that was once known as the 100-day cough. The vaccines DTaP and Tdap and currently being used to help prevent the disease as well as prevent it from spreading and to protect infants. The only treatment is antibiotics that kill the Bordetella pertussis