Mariette Barbier, West Virginia University (IMAGE)

West Virginia University

Mariette Barbier, West Virginia University

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WVU School of Medicine researcher Mariette Barbier is investigating whether adding a specific molecule to the pertussis vaccines' chemical makeup can improve their effectiveness against new strains of the bacteria that arise. Pertussis -- or whooping cough -- may resemble the common cold at first, but as the illness progresses, it can cause severe coughing fits accompanied by a high-pitched whoop sound. Pertussis is most harmful for young babies and can even be deadly.

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West Virginia University

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