pathogenicity, virulence factors, and genetics Flashcards
what is pathogenicity?
ability to create disease
what is virulence?
extent and severity of the disease that is caused
what are virulence factors
properties that help microbe cause infection
what are the two types of toxins?
exotoxin - excreted
endotoxin - in outer membrane (G-)
what are the types of exotoxins?
locally acting and distant acting
what are the types of locally acting toxins?
hemolysins
leukocidins
hyaloranidase
collaganase
what do hemolysins do?
lysis of red blood cells and damage other cells
what do leukocidins do?
kill white blood cells
what does hyaluronidase do?
breaks down connective tissue’s extracellular material to allow spread
what does collagenase do?
breaks down collagen
what are the types of distantly acting toxins
entertoxins
neurotoxins
protein synthesis inhibitors
superantigens
what are enterotoxins?
toxins that attack the bowel
what are protein synthesis inhibitors?
toxins that kill cells or damage organs
what are super antigens
toxins that bind macrophages and short-cirtcuit the mechanism that activates the immune system, leading to a massive response and damage
what are some examples of super antigens?
toxic shock syndrome, necrotizing fasciitis
