Molecular basis of Bacterial Virulence Flashcards
What are virulence factors
Molecules produced by pathogens that add to their effectiveness
What is virulence
Capacity of a microbe to do damage
What does adhesin do
Enables binding of the organism to host tissue
What does invasin do
Enables organism to invade a host cell/tissue
What does impedin
Enables organism to avoid host defense mechanisms
What does aggressin do
Causes damage to host directly
What does modulin do
Induced damage to host directly
What is TSST
A superantigen that causes toxic shock syndrome
What is the effect of superantigens on cyotkines and the immune system
Causes a massive release of cytokines and inappropriate immune response
Diagnostic criteria for toxic shock syndrome
Fever of 39 or over
A sunburn like rash on palms and/or soles
Hypotension
More that 3 organ systems involved
Examples of GAS skin conditions
Impetigo and cellulitis
Describe impetigo
Highly contageous through contact with discharge on face. Infection immediately below the surface
Describe cellulitis
Deeper skin infection in the dermis
