Bordetella and Brucella

Bordetella genus comprises five species, four of which cause infections of the upper respiratory tract in different host organisms. Bordetella pertussis is an obligate human pathogen and the only organism of major clinical significance within this genus; it causes whooping cough in infants and young children. A closely related organism, B. parapertussis can also cause a milder form of bronchitis. B. bronchosepticus, another member, is the causative agent of respiratory diseases in cats and swine, but can cause broncho-pulmonary symptoms in severely immunosupressed individuals.

Bordetella genus comprises five species, four of which cause infections of the upper respiratory tract in different host organisms. Bordetella pertussis is an obligate human pathogen and the only organism of major clinical significance within this genus; it causes whooping cough in infants and young children. A closely related organism, B. parapertussis can also cause a milder form of bronchitis. B. bronchosepticus, another member, is the causative agent of respiratory diseases in cats and swine, but can cause broncho-pulmonary symptoms in severely immunosupressed individuals.