Whooping cough due to Bordetella pertussis

Definition

A disease of the upper respiratory tract, caused by an infection of the gram-negative bacteria Bordetella pertussis. This disease typically presents with paroxysmal cough, inspiratory whoop, and fainting or vomiting after coughing. Transmission is by inhalation of infected respiratory secretions. Confirmation is by identification of Bordetella pertussis from nasopharyngeal samples or sputum, or detection of antibodies against Bordetella pertussis.

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