Whooping cough is caused by?

Appeared in: ESIC Nursing Officer 2016 (shift-1)

Explanation

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
The option 'Pertussis Bacillus' is a direct reference to Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent.
Bordetella pertussis is a gram-negative coccobacillus that colonizes the respiratory tract.
The disease is characterized by severe coughing fits, often ending in a 'whooping' sound on inspiration.

Option A: Streptococcus is a genus of bacteria that causes a different set of illnesses, such as strep throat, scarlet fever, and pneumonia. It is not the cause of whooping cough.
Option C: The Varicella-zoster virus is the causative agent of chickenpox and shingles, which are viral diseases with characteristic skin rashes, not a respiratory illness like whooping cough.
Option D: Whooping cough is a specific bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It is not a vague or non-specific viral illness.

Visual 1: Diagram: Illustration of the three stages of whooping cough (Catarrhal, Paroxysmal, Convalescent) with key symptoms for each stage.
Visual 2: Micrograph: Image of Bordetella pertussis bacteria, highlighting their gram-negative, coccobacillus shape.
Visual 3: Infographic: Chart showing the recommended DTaP/Tdap vaccination schedule for children and adults.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Etiology of Whooping Cough as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are vital in educating the public, especially parents, on the importance of the DTaP/Tdap vaccination schedule to prevent pertussis and its severe complications in infants.
Early recognition of the characteristic paroxysmal cough is crucial for prompt diagnosis, initiation of antibiotic therapy (e.g., macrolides), and implementation of droplet precautions to prevent transmission.
What if? A 2-month-old infant presents with coughing fits and apnea (pauses in breathing) but no 'whoop'. The nurse should still have a high index of suspicion for pertussis, as the classic whoop is often absent in very young infants, who are at the highest risk for severe disease and death.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the key disease mentioned in the question: 'Whooping cough'.
Recall that the medical term for whooping cough is 'pertussis'.
Scan the options for a term related to 'pertussis'. 'Pertussis Bacillus' is a direct match.
Evaluate the other options to confirm they are incorrect. Associate 'Streptococcus' with strep throat and 'Varicella' with chickenpox.
Eliminate 'Non-specific viral infection' because pertussis is a well-defined bacterial disease.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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