Final answer:
Bordetella pertussis infection leads to whooping cough, a highly communicable disease characterized by severe coughing episodes. The bacteria produce exotoxins that contribute to the coughing symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is caused by Bordetella pertussis. The infection leads to mucus accumulation in the lungs, resulting in prolonged and severe coughing episodes. This disease is highly communicable through droplet transmission, making it efficient in spreading to a susceptible population. B. pertussis produces exotoxins, including pertussis toxin and tracheal cytotoxin, which play a role in causing the characteristic cough.