Final answer:
Bordetella pertussis produces three main toxins: pertussis toxin (PT) enhances inflammation, tracheal cytotoxin damages lung cells leading to mucus accumulation, and additional toxins directly damage respiratory tract cells, all contributing to the characteristic cough of whooping cough.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bacterium Bordetella pertussis produces three main toxins responsible for the pathogenesis of whooping cough. These toxins include the pertussis toxin (PT), which increases cyclic adenosine monophosphate (CAMP) levels and disrupts cellular signaling, resulting in enhanced inflammatory responses. The second toxin is the tracheal cytotoxin that damages ciliated epithelial cells, causing mucus accumulation in the lungs and leading to severe coughing. Lastly, B. pertussis produces other toxins that cause damage to the respiratory tract's cells.
The effects of the PT and the tracheal cytotoxin, along with additional factors, lead to the characteristic cough associated with pertussis. The mucus buildup supports colonization of the lungs by B. pertussis, potentially leading to secondary infections. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent pertussis, with the DTaP and Tdap vaccines being the current standards for immunization.