The Pathological Concequences Of Infection

Question 1

What are mycotoxins?

Answer 1

Fungal toxins produced by certain fungi, which can be harmful to humans and animals

Examples include aflatoxin and ochratoxin.

Question 2

What is Candidalysin?

Answer 2

A toxin produced by Candida species that contributes to tissue damage during infection

Candidalysin plays a role in the pathogenicity of Candida albicans.

Question 3

What type of bacteria is associated with botulism?

Answer 3

Clostridium botulinum

This bacterium produces botulinum toxin, which is extremely potent.

Question 4

What is the potency of botulinum toxin?

Answer 4

0.4 ng/kg (0.0000004 mg)

Botulinum toxin is considered one of the most potent toxins known.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of botulism?

Answer 5

Paralysis, blurred/double vision, breathing difficulty

Botulism can lead to drooping eyelids.

Question 6

What disease is caused by Clostridium tetani?

Answer 6

Tetanus

Tetanus is characterized by muscle spasms and lockjaw.

Question 7

What is the mortality rate associated with tetanus?

Answer 7

Varies

The mortality rate can be significant, depending on the severity and treatment.

Question 8

What does the diphtheria toxin cause?

Answer 8

Visual disturbance, paralysis, myocarditis, death

Diphtheria toxin is produced by Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

Question 9

What is the action of type III exotoxins?

Answer 9

Entry via endocytosis

Type III exotoxins often consist of an A-B structure that interferes with cellular functions.

Question 10

What is the function of hyaluronidase?

Answer 10

Dissolves hyaluronic acid in the membrane

It aids in bacterial invasion by breaking down connective tissue.

Question 11

What is the characteristic of endotoxins?

Answer 11

Part of the outer envelope of Gram-negative bacteria

Endotoxins are primarily lipopolysaccharides (LPS).

Question 12

What is sepsis?

Answer 12

Life-threatening illness caused when the body is overwhelmed by infection

It can lead to multiple organ failure and death.

Question 13

What are the effects of severe sepsis?

Answer 13

Organ failure, hypotension, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

Severe sepsis can progress to septic shock.

Question 14

What is the difference between exotoxins and endotoxins?

Answer 14

Exotoxins are secreted toxins; endotoxins are part of the bacterial cell wall

Exotoxins can be highly toxic, while endotoxins typically induce a weaker immune response.

Question 15

What types of infections can Staphylococcus aureus cause?

Answer 15

Surgical wound infections, bone and joint infections, septicemia

S. aureus is a common pathogen in various types of infections.

Question 16

What are superantigens?

Answer 16

Type I exotoxins that cause massive non-specific T-cell activation

They can lead to a severe inflammatory response.

Question 17

What are the virulence factors of Staphylococcus aureus?

Answer 17

Exotoxins, capsule, degradative enzymes, adhesion factors

These factors contribute to the pathogenicity and ability to establish infections.

Question 18

What is the role of protease in Staphylococcus aureus?

Answer 18

Damage and invasion

Proteases break down proteins, aiding bacterial invasion.

Question 19

What is a characteristic of type II exotoxins?

Answer 19

Eukaryotic cell membrane disrupting toxins

They can cause cell lysis and death.

Question 20

What is the composition of endotoxins?

Answer 20

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

LPS is a major component that triggers immune responses.

Question 21

What is toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST)?

Answer 21

A type I exotoxin associated with toxic shock syndrome

TSST is produced by certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus.

Question 22

What is the diameter of Staphylococcus aureus?

Answer 22

Approx. 1 µm

This bacterium is a Gram-positive cocci, typically found in irregular clusters.