Which of the following organisms cause whooping cough?

Bordetella pertussis is the organism that causes whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease characterized by severe coughing fits. This bacterium adheres to the ciliated epithelial cells of the respiratory tract and produces toxins that contribute to the coughing paroxysms, which can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children.

Understanding the specific pathogen responsible for whooping cough is crucial in both diagnosing the disease and in preventive measures, such as vaccination. The DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) vaccine is effective in preventing infections caused by Bordetella pertussis, highlighting the importance of recognizing this bacterium in public health strategies.

The other organisms listed do not cause whooping cough; they are associated with different diseases. Haemophilus haemolyticus can be related to various infections but not specifically to whooping cough. Legionella pneumophila is known for causing Legionnaires' disease, a form of pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of bacterial pneumonia, meningitis, and otitis media but is not linked to whooping cough.