Pertussis Toxin-ATP Complex: Difference between revisions
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<StructureSection load=1bcp size='500' side='right' caption='Pertussis Toxin-ATP complex ([[1bcp]])' scene=''>[[Image:230px-Pertussis.jpg|left|thumb|A young boy coughing due to pertussis.]] | <StructureSection load=1bcp size='500' side='right' caption='Pertussis Toxin-ATP complex ([[1bcp]])' scene=''>[[Image:230px-Pertussis.jpg|left|thumb|A young boy coughing due to pertussis.]] | ||
==Introduction== | ==Introduction== | ||
'''Pertussis Toxins''' (PT) is a protein-based exotoxin and major virulence factor produced by the bacterium [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bordetella_pertussis ''Bordetella pertussis'']. PT causes pertussis, which is also known at whooping cough and is highly contagious bacterial disease. The disease is caused by the bacterium colonizing the respiratory tract where it then establishes an infection. This disease had been characterized by severe coughing that can last up to six weeks and in some countries lasting nearly 100 days. It has been documented in some cases that PT can cause subconjunctival hemorrhages, rib fractures, hernias, fainting and vertebral artery dissection. | '''Pertussis Toxins''' (PT) is a protein-based exotoxin and major virulence factor produced by the bacterium [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bordetella_pertussis ''Bordetella pertussis'']. PT causes [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whooping_cough pertussis], which is also known at whooping cough and is highly contagious bacterial disease. The disease is caused by the bacterium colonizing the respiratory tract where it then establishes an infection. This disease had been characterized by severe coughing that can last up to six weeks and in some countries lasting nearly 100 days. It has been documented in some cases that PT can cause subconjunctival hemorrhages, rib fractures, hernias, fainting and vertebral artery dissection. | ||
As of 2010, the worldwide incidence of whooping cough has been estimated to 48.5 million cases and nearly 295,000 deaths per year. With that in mind, whooping cough can affect people of any age; however, before vaccines were available the disease was most common in infants and young children but now children are immunized and the high percentage of cases are seen among adolescents. | As of 2010, the worldwide incidence of whooping cough has been estimated to 48.5 million cases and nearly 295,000 deaths per year. With that in mind, whooping cough can affect people of any age; however, before vaccines were available the disease was most common in infants and young children but now children are immunized and the high percentage of cases are seen among adolescents. | ||