MCB 3020C Lecture Notes - Lecture 28: Streptokinase, Superantigen, Coagulase
Document Summary
Adherence structures: fimbriae, pili, and flagella: fimbriae, flagella, and pili are bacterial cell surface protein structures that function in attachment. Not considered part of cell wall because these do not confer significant structural strength. May be thick or think, rigid or flexible capsule: tightly attached, tight matrix; fi treated with india ink slime layer: loosely attached, easily deformed. Role in development and maintained of biofilms. Virulence factors: protect against phagocytosis prevent dehydration/desiccation. The infection processes: exposure to pathogens, adherence to skin or mucosa. Invasion through epithelium: multiplication growth and production of virulence factors and toxins. The disease processes: toxicity toxin effects are local or systemic. Invasiveness - further growth at original and distant sites: tissue or systemic damage. Attenuation: the decrease or loss of virulence. Attenuated strains of various pathogens are valuable to clinical medicine because they are often used for the production of viral vaccines. Invasiveness requires a pathogen break down host tissues.
