Final answer:
Bordetella pertussis causes the respiratory damage and violent coughing episodes seen during whooping cough.
Step-by-step explanation:
The respiratory damage and violent coughing episodes seen during whooping cough are caused by Bordetella pertussis. This gram-negative coccobacillus attaches to epithelial cells in the respiratory tract and causes mucus accumulation in the lungs. The accumulation of mucus leads to severe coughing episodes, which is why the disease is commonly referred to as whooping cough.