Child health · UKMLA & AKT
Whooping cough (pertussis)
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise whooping cough (pertussis) — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
Key high-yield points
- Caused by Bordetella pertussis - Gram-negative coccobacillus; spread by respiratory droplets
- Pertussis toxin prevents lymphocyte trafficking → lymphocytosis (classic FBC finding); tracheal cytotoxin destroys ciliated cells → impaired mucus clearance → paroxysmal coughing → inspiratory whoop
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