Whooping cough

**Definition:** A disease of the upper respiratory tract, caused by an infection with the gram-negative bacteria Bordetella. This disease typically presents with paroxysmal cough, inspiratory whoop, and fainting or vomiting after coughing. Transmission is by inhalation of infected respiratory secretions. Confirmation is by identification of Bordetella from nasopharyngeal samples or sputum, or detection of antibodies against Bordetella.

**Long definition:** An acute bacterial infection of the respiratory tract caused by bordetella pertussis.