3.12 Flashcards
Streptococcus
pyogenes
”—“-forming
pus
Some streptococci are typically seen
as
diplo-cocci:
Streptococcus pneumoniae
b-hemolysis (top) on blood-agar plates causes
clearing at and around colonies in
Streptococcus pyogenes
a-hemolysis (bottom) shows greening due to partial lysis of erythrocytes in (2)
S.mitis and
S.pneumoniae.
pneumolysin degrades hemoglobin green Green color sheen has given the name --- to many αhemolytic Streptococci like the caries-causing: S.mutans, S.mitis, S.salivarius, S.sanguis
viridens
Rapid strep throat test (2)
is based on Group A
serological response.
Useful for rapid distinction from viral strep throat
in school children (but culture must be done)
Sequencing of the emm gene for the required virulence factor protein —has
become more important than Lancefield antigens to identify strains.
M
M protein - (3)
cell wall component, >100 serotypes, membraneanchored: is an important virulence factor
anti-M antibodies prevent infection of S.pyogenes but many serotypes.
So protective immunity is
type-specific
• M protein binds —, the main cell type in outer skin layer
keratinocytes
M protein binds —, blocking surface from complement system
components
fibrinogen
M protein binds complement control proteins
• Inhibits formation of —by complement cascade
opsonins
Ø capsule:
antibodies are ineffective against glycocalyx-covered surface antigens
Group A strains have capsules of (1), mimicking
mammalian connective tissues, preventing phagocy
hyaluronic acid
Ø F protein
(cell wall adhesin) provides adherence to the fibronectin of throat epithelial cells
Ø lipoteichoic acid
(species-specific form) also adheres to the fibronectin epithelial cell coat
Ø M protein also shows adhesion for — and strong adhesion to —
fibronectin
keratinocytes (skin)
Adhesion-based uptake of cocci into epithelial cells is likely a basis for the repeated
nature of
strep throat and deep tissue infections.
- M protein anti-complement action through
Factor H
- Capsular C3 peptidase destroys opsonizing — complement opsonization
C3b
Thus: CR1 does not work! Phagocytosis only by
IgG opsonization (FcR)
Ø G protein (cell surface) binds Fc of IgG, preventing
phagocytosis based on FcReceptors
Ø — peptidase in Group A Streptococci
C5a
c3b peptidase cleaves the complement component into — fragments
inactive