Paroxysmal - The most contagious stage with severe coughing,mucoid secretion, typical whooping and fever. Convalescence - Mild cough periodically. Whooping cough is self limiting but drugs lessen its communicability. Treatment - Erythromycin, tetracyclines or chloramphenicol. The agent is Neisseria meningitidis that is gram negative diplococci, aerobic, fastidious and produces cytochrome oxidase.
Transmission is by direct contact or by respiratory droplets.
There are nine serotypes based on their polysaccharide capsules. Types A, B, C, W-135 and Y have clinical importance. Bacterial meningitis can be caused by other organisms. Virulence factors are attachment pili, capsules and siderophore. This disease requires immediate, accurate diagnosis and therapy.