Chapter 30.3, Problem 1MQ

Summary Introduction

Diphtheria is characterized by a severe respiratory disease, which specifically infects the young children. Corynebacterium diphtheriae is the causative agent of diphtheria. It is a Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile, club-shaped bacterium.

Pertussis is also referred to as whooping cough. It is a severe respiratory disease. The causative agent of pertussis is Bordetella pertussis. It is an aerobic, Gram-negative coccobacillus. It commonly affects the children and cause severe respiratory illness in adults as well.