Final answer:
Bordetella pertussis grows in the epithelial cells of the human respiratory system, leading to the characteristic cough of whooping cough. Diagnosis is through culturing of the bacteria, while prevention is best achieved through vaccination with DTaP or Tdap, which contain the pertussis toxoid.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bacterium Bordetella pertussis is the pathogen responsible for pertussis, also known as whooping cough. These bacteria take up residence and proliferate in the human respiratory system, particularly colonizing the epithelial cells of the posterior nasopharynx, where they anchor themselves using adhesins such as filamentous hemagglutinin. Once attached, B. pertussis releases a suite of toxins that disrupt the normal function of the respiratory tract; among these, the pertussis toxin (PT) is notable for increasing cAMP levels, damaging cellular signaling pathways, and enhancing inflammatory responses. The bacteria's presence and activity result in the characteristic severe coughing fits that facilitate the transmission of the disease via respiratory droplets.
Diagnosis of a pertussis infection within the first two weeks is usually done by culturing B. pertussis from a nasopharyngeal specimen on a specialized medium known as Bordet-Gengou. The optimal outcome for controlling pertussis involves early intervention with antibiotics like erythromycin or tetracycline and, more importantly, preventative measures such as vaccination. The DTaP and Tdap vaccines contain a component, aP, which is a pertussis toxoid, thereby training the immune system to defend against the actual pathogen.