Virulence Factors of Bacterial Pathogens

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the virulence factors of bacterial pathogens, their mechanisms of action, and the associated implications for health.

Pathogenesis

The process by which a pathogen causes disease, involving exposure, adhesion, invasion, and infection.

Adhesin

A protein or glycoprotein on the surface of a pathogen that attaches to receptors on the host cell.

Type 1 fimbrial adhesin

A colonization factor in E. coli that facilitates attachment to intestinal epithelial cells.

Exoenzymes

Extracellular enzymes produced by pathogens that aid in invading host cells and tissues.

Hyaluronidase

An enzyme that degrades hyaluronan, allowing bacteria to invade tissues.

Collagenase

An enzyme that breaks down collagen, facilitating tissue invasion by pathogenic bacteria.

LPS (Lipopolysaccharide)

A component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria that acts as an endotoxin.

Exotoxins

Protein-based toxins secreted by bacteria that cause damage to host cells.

Antigenic variation

The alteration of surface proteins by pathogens to evade the host immune response.

Biofilm

A structured community of bacteria adhering to a surface and encased in a self-produced matrix.

Quorum sensing

A cell-to-cell communication process in bacteria that regulates group behaviors based on population density.

Gut microbiome

The diverse microorganisms inhabiting the human gut, which play a crucial role in health.

Eubiosis

A balanced state of the gut microbiome essential for human health.

Dysbiosis

An imbalance in the gut microbiome associated with negative health outcomes.

Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis

The bidirectional communication between gut microbiota and the brain, influencing overall health.

Immunogenicity

The ability of a substance to provoke an immune response.

Virulence factors

Traits of a pathogen that enable it to cause disease in a host.

Protein F

A surface protein in Streptococcus pyogenes that aids in adhesion to epithelial cells.

Superantigen

A class of antigens that leads to excessive activation of the immune system.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)

A cytokine involved in systemic inflammation and the immune response.

Mucosal immunity

The immune response that protects mucosal surfaces from pathogens.