Which is the causative organism of whooping cough?

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur NO- 2019 (shift 3rd)

Explanation

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is an acute respiratory tract infection.
The causative agent for epidemic and most sporadic cases of pertussis is the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
The disease is named for its most prominent feature: a violent, paroxysmal cough often followed by a high-pitched inspiratory 'whoop'.
While other organisms like Bordetella parapertussis can cause a similar, milder illness, B. pertussis is the primary pathogen.

Option A: Streptococci are a group of bacteria responsible for a different set of illnesses, most notably streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), scarlet fever, and impetigo. They do not cause whooping cough.
Option B: Corynebacterium diphtheriae is the bacterium that causes diphtheria, another serious respiratory illness. Diphtheria is distinguished by the formation of a thick, gray pseudomembrane in the throat, which can cause airway obstruction.
Option C: Pneumococci, or Streptococcus pneumoniae, are a leading cause of bacterial pneumonia, meningitis, and otitis media (middle ear infections). While they cause respiratory infections, they are not the agent behind the characteristic 'whooping' cough.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Causative organism of Whooping Cough (Pertussis) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in preventing whooping cough through vaccination education and administration of the DTaP/Tdap vaccines.
Early identification and implementation of droplet precautions are critical nursing actions to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease in healthcare settings.
Monitoring for respiratory distress, especially apnea in infants, is a key nursing responsibility when caring for patients with pertussis, as young infants may not exhibit the classic 'whoop'.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'whooping cough'.
This is a factual recall question that requires you to link a specific disease to its causative microorganism.
Systematically review each option and recall the primary disease associated with it.
Option A, Streptococci, is linked to strep throat.
Option B, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, is linked to diphtheria.
Option C, Pneumococci, is linked to pneumonia.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1765-1767

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) p. 167-169

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1317-1319

Practise the full AIIMS Raipur NO- 2019 (shift 3rd)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.