Bordetella on ciliar epithelium |
|
| (1) |
|
Bordetella bronchiseptica acts as a primary pathogen because of its ability to attach to, and paralyze, cilia of the respiratory epithelium. |
| (2) |
|
Since efficient clearance of mucus and organisms via the mucociliary escalator can no longer occur, the organism persists for weeks in the airway. | |