A 4-month-old infant is hospitalized after developing repeat…
A 4-month-old infant is hospitalized after developing repeated episodes of intense coughing followed by a high-pitched inspiratory “whoop.” Testing confirms infection with Bordetella pertussis, and the parents ask why the coughing episodes are so severe. The nurse explains that bacterial virulence factors interfere with an important respiratory defense mechanism. Which alteration most directly contributes to the infant’s intense coughing?
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