Pertussis toxin Pertussis toxin Pertussis toxin (PT) is a protein-based AB-type exotoxin produced by the bacterium "Bordetella pertussis", which causes whooping cough. PT is involved in the colonization of the respiratory tract and the establishment of infection. Research suggests PT may have a therapeutic role in treating a number of common human ailments, including hypertension, viral inhibition, and autoimmune inhibition. PT clearly plays a central role in the pathogenesis of pertussis although this was discovered only in the early 1980s. The appearance of pertussis is quite recent, compared with other epidemic infectious diseases. The earliest mention of pertussis, or whooping cough, is
White line disease White line disease White line disease (also known as seedy toe) is a fungal infection of the horse's hoof. As the name suggests, it attacks the white line, which connects the sole to the hoof wall. It is sometimes mistaken for hoof wall separation disease, but is not to be confused because it is not genetic nor as severe. White line disease changes the typical light color of the white line to a black or dark gray color. It may also give off a foul odor. Lameness is often not present unless the disease is advanced. The disease may locate