Bacterial Cell Components and Septic Shock

Vocabulary and key concepts regarding bacterial cell wall structures, toxic components, and their role in the pathogenesis of septic shock.

Capsule-Producing Bacteria

Notorious species include Streptococcus pneumonia (pneumococcus), Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Bacterial Septic Shock

A frequently lethal condition involving the collapse of the entire circulatory system that may result in multiple organ system failure.

Lysis

The death and breaking down of a bacterial cell, which causes the release of toxic cell wall components into the extracellular medium.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

Also referred to as endotoxin, it is a large amphophilic molecule embedded in the outer membrane of Gram negative bacteria and is the principal component responsible for inducing septic shock.

Gram Negative Septic Shock Microbes

Bacteria frequently associated with this condition include P. aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and meningococci.

Gram Positive Septic Shock Microbes

Bacteria frequently associated with this condition include Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus sp.

Toxins

Proteinaceous or non-proteinaceous molecules produced by bacteria to damage or destroy the host cell, resembling biological weapons.

Teichoic acid

An example of a non-proteinaceous toxin found in Gram positive organisms.

Septic Shock Mediators

A common pathway of events resulting from the combined action of cytokines, complement components, and coagulation cascade components.