The bacteria responsible for the whooping cough is-

RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2024

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2024

Explanation

Whooping cough, medically known as pertussis, is an acute and highly communicable respiratory tract infection.
The causative agent is the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, a Gram-negative coccobacillus.
This bacterium attaches to the cilia of the respiratory epithelial cells, releasing toxins that damage the cilia and cause inflammation, leading to the characteristic severe cough.
The name of the bacterium, Bordetella pertussis, directly links to the disease it causes.

Option A: E. coli (Escherichia coli) is a bacterium commonly found in the lower intestine. It is a primary cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and various forms of gastroenteritis (food poisoning), not respiratory infections like whooping cough.
Option B: Streptococci are a genus of Gram-positive bacteria. Different species are responsible for a range of illnesses, including strep throat (Streptococcus pyogenes), pneumonia (Streptococcus pneumoniae), and skin infections, but they do not cause whooping cough.
Option D: Clostridium is a genus of Gram-positive, spore-forming, anaerobic bacteria. They are known for causing distinct and severe diseases like tetanus (Clostridium tetani), botulism (Clostridium botulinum), and gas gangrene (Clostridium perfringens), not pertussis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Etiology of Whooping Cough (Pertussis) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Early diagnosis and treatment of pertussis with antibiotics (e.g., macrolides) are crucial to reduce the severity of the illness and prevent its spread to others.
Nurses must implement strict droplet precautions for hospitalized patients with pertussis to protect other patients and healthcare workers, as the disease is highly contagious.
Vaccination with DTaP for children and Tdap boosters for adolescents, adults, and pregnant women is the most effective public health strategy to prevent pertussis.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing your knowledge of common infectious diseases and their causative agents.
First, identify the specific disease mentioned in the question stem: 'whooping cough'.
Recall the medical term for whooping cough, which is 'pertussis'.
Scan the options provided to find the bacterium that is known to cause pertussis.
The name Bordetella pertussis directly corresponds to the disease, making it the correct choice.
To confirm, mentally eliminate the other options by associating them with the diseases they typically cause: E. coli with UTIs/diarrhea, Streptococci with strep throat, and Clostridium with tetanus/botulism.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 372-374

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 pp. 1317-1319, 1322-1324