It has a “thin murein layer surrounded by an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharide and phospholipids, and they do produce a capsule. This rod-shaped bacterium is non-motile, non-spore forming, and about 0.5-1.0 μm in length”(Microbewikki). The bacterium has respiratory metabolism, but never performs fermentation. They are strict aerobes and uses cellular respiration. In other words, “an organism that requires oxygen to grow”(Google).Whooping Cough is fastidious, they will only grow when specific nutrients included in its diet. It requires “more than the usual number of growth nutrients, and need a rich media that is often supplemented with blood in order to thrive”(Microbewikki). They also grow on synthetics including, buffers, salts,amino acids and charcoal agar. Even on the rich nutrients, Bordetella grows very slow, the bacterium needs three to six days to form …show more content…
In babies, the cough can be minimal or not even there”(CDC).Young children may have symptoms called apnea, this is a slight pause in the child's breathing. Whooping Cough is very dangerous for babies. Babies who are three months of age are more prone to the illness and need to be taken to the hospital for expert care. “Pertussis is primarily spread from person to person by direct contact with mucus or droplets from the nose and throat of infected individuals. Frequently, older siblings who may be harboring the bacteria in their nose and throat can bring the disease home and infect an infant in the household”(Information for a Healthy New