Which pathogen causes whooping cough?

The pathogen that causes whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is the bacterium *Bordetella pertussis*. It is a highly contagious respiratory infection that primarily affects the lungs and airways, leading to severe coughing fits, often characterized by a distinctive "whooping" sound. *B. pertussis* produces several virulence factors, including toxins and adhesins, that contribute to its ability to invade and damage the respiratory tract, causing the characteristic symptoms of whooping cough. The disease is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets and is highly contagious during the early stages of infection. Vaccination is an effective preventive measure against whooping cough and is recommended as part of routine childhood immunizations.