A formula of a compound that shows the relationship of the atoms in a molecule. The atoms are shown joined by valence bonds (e.g., H-O-H) as opposed to the empirical formula (H2O).
Causes. Pertussis, a respiratory illness commonly known as whooping cough, is a very contagious disease caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis.
Toxins produced by B. pertussis paralyze the cilia and cause inflammation of the. respiratory tract, interfering with the clearance of pulmonary secretions. This disease was first described in. the 16th century and was one of the most frequent and severe diseases in infants in the United States,