What is the meaning of Bacterium Bordetella?

Bordetella refers to a genus of bacteria that includes several species, the most notable of which is Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough. These bacteria are typically gram-negative and can infect the respiratory tract, leading to various diseases in humans and animals. Bordetella species are known for their ability to adhere to host cells and evade the immune response, making them significant in the study of Infectious Diseases.