BioMaterial Fact Sheet: Pertussis Toxin (IN SOLUTION). Pertussis toxin (PT) is a biological toxin that is secreted from the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which is the causative agent of whooping cough.equired Training: To work with pertussis toxin, laboratory and animal staff must have completed the Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) training offered by EHS as well as specialized pertussis toxin training which is coordinated with the IBC Administrator.