B. pertussis Overview and Culture Conditions

Overview of B. pertussis

• Minute gram-negative coccobacilli resembling H. influenzae.
• Possesses fine filamentous appendages on the cell surface.
• Exhibits a unique lipopolysaccharide with a different phosphate composition than typical lipid A found in other Gram-negative bacteria.
• Lipopolysaccharide functions as an endotoxin.
• Can be stained with toluene blue to reveal bipolar metachromatic granules.
• Presence of a capsule enhances virulence.

Culture Conditions

• Requires enriched media for primary isolation.
• Bordet-Gengou medium (blood-glycerol agar) supplemented with penicillin G (0.5 g/mL) is a suitable culture medium.
• Preferably cultured on charcoal-containing media for optimal growth.
• Incubation should be conducted at 35-37°C for a duration of 3-7 days.
• A moist environment, such as sealed plastic bags, is essential for preventing desiccation.
• Identification of small, faintly staining gram-negative rods is achieved through immunofluorescence staining.

Explore the fascinating details of Bordetella pertussis, a gram-negative coccobacillus known for its unique characteristics. The quiz covers its virulence factors, culture requirements, and optimal growth conditions. Test your knowledge on this important pathogen and its significance in microbiology.