BACILLUS PERTUSSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Bacillus pertussis, also known as Bordetella pertussis, is a gram-negative bacterium that causes the highly contagious respiratory infection known as pertussis, or whooping cough. It is a small, rod-shaped bacterium that is part of the genus Bacillus, belonging to the family Alcaligenaceae.
Bacillus pertussis typically infects the respiratory system, particularly the lining of the upper respiratory tract, including the throat and windpipe. This bacterium spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets, primarily from coughing or sneezing. Once inhaled, the bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny hair-like structures) in the respiratory tract and release toxins, leading to inflammation and damage.
The primary symptoms of a B. pertussis infection include severe and uncontrollable coughing fits, often followed by a characteristic high-pitched "whooping" sound when gasping for breath. Other symptoms may include a runny nose, mild fever, and fatigue, particularly in infants and young children. While the infection can be mild in adults, it presents a greater risk to infants and those with weakened immune systems.
Prevention and treatment of Bacillus pertussis infection include vaccination with the pertussis vaccine, which is part of routine childhood immunizations in many countries. Antibiotics, such as azithromycin or erythromycin, may be prescribed to infected individuals to help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms and to prevent the spread of the bacteria to others.
Overall, Bacillus pertussis is a bacterium responsible for the highly contagious respiratory infection called pertussis, characterized by severe coughing fits and the distinct "whooping" sound during inhalation.
Etymology of BACILLUS PERTUSSIS
The word "Bacillus pertussis" has its roots in Latin and Greek.
The term "Bacillus" comes from the Latin word "bacillum", which means "small staff" or "rod". It refers to the bacterial shape of these microorganisms, which are rod-shaped.
The term "pertussis" has its origins in Greek. The word "perthō" in Greek means "to violently shake or convulse". In the case of "Bacillus pertussis", the name was given to the bacterium because it causes violent coughing fits and convulsions, which are characteristic symptoms of the respiratory infection it causes - pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough.
Therefore, the etymology of "Bacillus pertussis" refers to the rod-shaped bacterium that causes whooping cough.
