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Bacterial Pathogenesis: Larry A. Hanson Hanson@cvm - Msstate.edu
Bacterial Pathogenesis: Larry A. Hanson Hanson@cvm - Msstate.edu
Bacterial Pathogenesis
Larry A. Hanson
hanson@cvm.msstate.edu
or
4) Examples:
a) Diphtheria toxin: ADP-ribosylation of host EF-2; host cells are killed by blocking translation.
b) Cholera toxin: ADP-ribosylation of a cAMP regulatory protein, which causes loss of ion
regulation, water loss, diarrhea.
c) Shiga toxin cleaves host rRNA, which blocks translation and kills the host cell.
d) Clostridium botulinum- large subunit targets neurons, small subunit cleave snare proteins
inhibiting neurotransmitter release from neurons- causes paralysis BoNT- E in fish (most
toxic substance known)
ii. Membrane disrupting (surface damaging)
1) Cause damage or disruption of plasma membranes, which
leads to osmotic lysis and cell death. Many were originally
termed “hemolysins” because they lyse RBCs.
2) Three types of membrane disrupting toxins:
a) Enzymes that hydrolyze phospholipids: phospholipase,
sphingomyelinase
b) Toxins with detergent-like surfactant activity that disrupt
by membrane solubilization
c) Pore forming toxins (the most common): proteins that
insert in the host membrane and form a hydrophilic pore
Staphylococcus aureus
alpha hemolysin,
looking down the
central pore
iii. Superantigens
1) Toxins that bind directly to MHC II on
macrophages (without being processed)
and form a crosslink with T cell
receptors.
2) Crosslinking causes stimulation of up to
1 in 5 T cells in the body (normal
antigens cause stimulation of 1 in
10,000).
3) Excessive IL-2 production results from
the massive stimulation of T helper cells,
4) Stimulation of other cytokines by IL-2
lead to shock.
Example: staphylococcal toxic-shock
syndrome
iv. Extracellular enzymes: break down host macromolecules.
play an important role in disease development by providing a nutrients or aiding in
dissemination. Can cause extensive tissue damage
Examples:
a) Coagulase – clots fibrin, thus protecting the bacteria.
b) Hyaluronidases and proteases – aid in the spread of bacteria by degrading extracellular
matrix.
c) Collagenase – aids in dissemination
d) DNase – reduces viscosity of debris from dead cells (may help escape DNA net by
neutrophil).
advancedhealing.com
Biofilm
Definition: a structured community of bacteria enclosed in
a self-produced polymeric matrix and adherent to an inert
or living surface. Can provide resistance to damage
outside of host, can protect against immune processes
inside the host and can provide transient antibiotic
resistance
Resistance is due to:
a. Slower growth rates of bacteria within biofilms
b. Decreased diffusion of antibiotics through the
biofilm (protective matrix)
c. Accumulation of enzymes that contribute to
resistance
Scanning electron
micrograph of E. coli
O157:H7
biofilm bacteria
Persistence in the presence of antibiotics- regulated phenotypes