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Which bacteria is responsible for causing whooping cough?

  • A. Bordetella pertussis
  • B. Clostridium tetani
  • C. Haemophilus influenzae
  • D. Staphylococcus aureus
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bordetella pertussis. This bacterium causes whooping cough by attaching to the respiratory tract and releasing toxins that lead to severe coughing fits. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, not whooping cough. Haemophilus influenzae can cause respiratory infections but not specifically whooping cough. Staphylococcus aureus is known for causing skin infections and not respiratory diseases like whooping cough. Therefore, the presence of Bordetella pertussis and its specific mechanism of causing whooping cough makes it the correct answer.