Concept explainers
Coagulase is a virulence factor for Staphylococcus aureus that acts by causing clot formation at the site of S. aureus growth. Streptokinase is a virulence factor for Streptococcus pyogenes that acts by dissolving clots at the site of S. pyogenes growth. Reconcile these opposing strategies for enhancing pathogenicity.
To explain:
The virulent effect of coagulase and streptokinase for enhancing pathogenicity.
Concept introduction:
Coagulase and streptokinase are the virulence factors released by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes respectively. Coagulase helps in the process of clot formation thereby protecting the colony of S. aureus cells from the host immune response. Streptokinase helps in dissolving the clot for the further spread and growth of the micro-organism. Coagulase and streptokinase works antagonistically in the process of blood clotting.
Explanation of Solution
Pictorial representation: The figure depicting the action of Coagulase and Streptokinase is represented as follows:
Fig.1: The mode of action of Coagulase and Streptokinase.
Staphylococcus aureus enters the wound and help in the conversion of “fibrinogen to fibrin” thereby resulting the formation of clot and protection of S. aureus cells. Streptokinase released by Streptococcus pyogenes help in dissolving the clot and spreading the proliferation of the microorganism in different cells and tissues.
The antagonistic nature of these two virulence factors can be used to enhance the rate of pathogenicity in a particular cell or tissue of an individual. In the case of coagulase, a protection cover is generated with the help of fibrin that prevents the further action of drugs and does not allow the process of phagocytosis. In streptokinase, the fibrin/clot is dissolved leading to growth and spread of microorganism resulting in the spread of infection to other part of cells.
Hence, these two virulence factors work antagonistically to increase the process of pathogenicity in an individual.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 25 Solutions
Brock Biology of Microorganisms (15th Edition)
- Coagulase is aknown factor in the ability of S. aureus to cause infection. However, coagulases-negative staphylococci may be pathogenic as well. What are some of the factors that contribute to virulence of coagulase-negative bacteria?arrow_forward14) When considering virulence factors, which class of virulence factor would be most likely to increase the severity of disease caused by the pathogen possessing the virulence factor, due to this class of virulence factor most likely causing the death of cells? A) extracellular enzymes C) anti-phagocytic factors B) toxins D) adherence factors 15) Which of the following classes of virulence factor is absolutely needed for nearly every infection? In fact, if the organism lacks this factor, it is most likely going to be avirulent (not disease-causing). A) extracellular enzyme B) adherence factor D) anti-phagocytic factor C) exotoxin 16) Which of the following is an iron-binding protein produced by pathogens to access the body's store of iron? A) ferritin B) siderophores C) hemolysin D) transferrin 17) The complement cascade and its by-products contribute to A) attracting phagocytes to sites of infection. B) triggering release of interferons. C) triggering inflammation. D) triggering…arrow_forwardGiven that there is currently no cure for mad cow disease, what is likely to be the most effective action to reduce its transmission?arrow_forward
- How does urease allow H. pylori to live in the stomach?arrow_forwardCampylobacter is an extracellular intestinal species that is a true pathogen. Which of the following specifically occur during the establishment and outgrowth stage (step 3) of the bacterial pathogenic process for this species? Tissue destruction to increase nutrient concentrations Production of exotoxins to decrease normal flora populationsarrow_forwardHow does Mycobacterium tuberculosis gain access through that preferred portal of entry Explain how the Mycobacterium tuberculosis is able to evade innate human host defenses that prevent this from occurring. discuss specific components of your pathogen. (Examples may include capsules, cell wall components, exoenzymes, antigenic variation and penetration of the host cell cytoskeleton.)arrow_forward
- What are the mitigating measures to prevent the escalation of the black Sigatoka disease? Explain.arrow_forwardBased on disease syndromes and characteristics, and also on their effect on certain cell cultures and serological groupings, five virulence groups of Escherichia coli are recognized. Briefly distinguish between these virulence groups. [Base your answer on virulence factors, pattern of bacterial attachment to host cells, effects of attachment to host cells, production of toxins, and invasiveness] What will the appearance of Escherichia coli be on MacConkey Agar red and Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar, respectively.arrow_forwardWhat are the virulence factors of Salmonella typhi? Explain each factors in simple terms.arrow_forward
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common nosocomial pathogen that is increasing in frequency in community settings. Describe the most common mechanism of resistance by S. Aureus? What treatment can be used?arrow_forwardWhy is it clinically important to distinguish S. pneumoniae from otherα-hemolytic streptococci?arrow_forwardCan caffeic acid be used to treat cytomegalovirus CMV? Explain.arrow_forward
- Microbiology for Surgical Technologists (MindTap ...BiologyISBN:9781111306663Author:Margaret Rodriguez, Paul PricePublisher:Cengage Learning