Which bacterium causes ‘Whooping Cough' disease in human ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 1, Bordetella pertussis, is the correct answer for the bacterium that causes 'Whooping Cough' disease in humans. Here is a detailed explanation supporting this choice:

1. **Why Option 1 is Correct:**
   - Bordetella pertussis is a Gram-negative bacterium that is the primary causative agent of whooping cough, also known as pertussis. This highly contagious respiratory disease is characterized by severe coughing fits followed by a high-pitched "whoop" sound during the intake of breath. The bacterium attaches to the cilia of the respiratory epithelial cells, producing toxins that paralyze the cilia and cause inflammation, leading to the symptoms associated with the disease. Vaccination is available and is the most effective way to prevent whooping cough.

2. **Why the Other Options are Incorrect:**
   - **Option 2: Corynebacterium diphtheriae**
     - Corynebacterium diphtheriae is the bacterium responsible for causing diphtheria, not whooping cough. Diphtheria is an infectious disease that primarily affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose, leading to symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and the formation of a thick coating in the throat that can cause breathing difficulties.
   
   - **Option 3: Mycobacterium leprae**
     - Mycobacterium leprae is the bacterium that causes leprosy (Hansen's disease), not whooping cough. Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and eyes. It is characterized by skin lesions and nerve damage.
   
   - **Option 4: Neisseria gonorrhoeae**
     - Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the bacterium responsible for gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection, not whooping cough. Gonorrhea affects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract, as well as the mouth, throat, eyes, and rectum, leading to symptoms such as painful urination and discharge.

In conclusion, Bordetella pertussis is the correct bacterium associated with whooping cough, and the other options are linked to different diseases, making Option 1 the only accurate choice.