Staphylococcus aureus virulence factors

Question 1

capsule

Answer 1

inhibits phagocytosis

Question 2

clumping factor

Answer 2

attaches the bacterium to fibrin, fibrinogen, and plastic devices

Question 3

coagulase

Answer 3

may slow progress of leukocytes into infected area by producing clots in the surrounding capillaries

Question 4

enterotoxins

Answer 4

superantigens cause food poisoning if ingested, cause toxic shock if systemic

Question 5

exfoliatin

Answer 5

separates layers of epidermis, causing scalded skin syndrome

Question 6

hyaluronidase

Answer 6

breaks down hyaluronic acid component of tissue that hold tissue cells together, allowing infection to spread

Question 7

leukocidin

Answer 7

kills neutrophils or causes them to release their enzymes

Question 8

lipase

Answer 8

breaks down fats

Question 9

proteases

Answer 9

degrade collagen and other tissue proteins

Question 10

protein A

Answer 10

binds to Fc portion of antibody, thereby interfering with opsonization

Question 11

toxic shock syndrome toxin

Answer 11

causes rash, diarrhea, and shock