Summary of "Pertussis (Whooping Cough) | Osmosis Study Video"

Summary of “Pertussis (Whooping Cough) | Osmosis Study Video”

Main Ideas and Concepts

Causative Agent and Transmission

Pertussis (whooping cough) is caused by Bordetella pertussis, a gram-negative coccobacillus.
It spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing and can also be transmitted via contaminated surfaces.

Pathogenesis and Toxins

Bordetella pertussis produces several toxins that help it attach to and damage respiratory epithelial cells:

Filamentous hemagglutinin, pertactin, and agglutinin: Help bacteria anchor to epithelial cells.
Tracheal cytotoxin: Paralyzes cilia, preventing mucus clearance and triggering violent coughing.
Pertussis toxin: Increases lymphocytes (especially T-cells) in the blood, sensitizes blood vessels to histamine causing swelling, and helps bacterial attachment.
Adenylate cyclase toxin: Inhibits phagocyte function and induces their apoptosis, helping bacteria evade immune clearance.

Clinical Course and Phases

Incubation period: About 1 week; bacteria present but no symptoms.
Catarrhal phase (2 weeks): Early symptoms like nasal congestion, mild cough, low-grade fever; highly contagious.
Paroxysmal phase (1–6 weeks): Severe coughing fits (paroxysms) with a characteristic “whooping” sound caused by air passing through swollen, partially closed glottis. Complications may include:
- Vomiting
- Lung collapse
- Rib fractures
- Petechiae
- Apnea
- Cyanosis
- Seizures
- Encephalopathy
- Death (especially in infants)
Convalescent phase (2–3 weeks): Gradual recovery with decreasing cough and airway healing.

Diagnosis

Nasopharyngeal swab with bacterial culture.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect bacterial DNA.
Direct fluorescent antibody testing for bacterial antigens.
Serology to detect antibody response (useful after several weeks of infection).
Lymphocytosis (high lymphocyte count) is a predictor of severity.

Prevention

Vaccination with DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis) vaccine is over 90% effective.
Booster shots are necessary due to waning immunity.
Pregnant women are advised to get vaccinated in the third trimester to provide passive immunity to newborns.

Treatment and Management

Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin) are effective if given early (catarrhal or early paroxysmal phase).
Isolation of infected individuals to prevent spread.
Antibiotic prophylaxis for close contacts.
Close monitoring of infants under 1 year due to risk of severe disease and death.

Detailed Methodology / Instructions

Transmission Prevention
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals.
- Practice good hygiene to prevent spread via droplets and contaminated surfaces.
Diagnosis Steps
- Collect nasopharyngeal swab.
- Perform bacterial culture or PCR.
- Use fluorescent antibody testing if available.
- Check for lymphocytosis and antibody response.
Vaccination Protocol
- Administer DTaP vaccine as part of routine immunization.
- Provide booster shots for older children, adults, and elderly.
- Vaccinate pregnant women during the third trimester for infant protection.
Treatment Protocol
- Start macrolide antibiotics early in infection.
- Isolate infected patients.
- Provide antibiotic prophylaxis to household contacts.
- Monitor infants closely for severe symptoms.

Speakers / Sources Featured

The video is an educational narration by Osmosis, a medical education platform. No individual speakers are explicitly identified; the content is presented as a single continuous explanatory voiceover.