α-Toxin

Definition

α-Toxin is a potent exotoxin produced by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. It forms pores in host cell membranes, leading to cell lysis and tissue damage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. α-Toxin targets and disrupts the plasma membranes of a variety of host cells, including red blood cells and immune cells.
2. The toxin is a major virulence factor contributing to the pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus infections.
3. α-Toxin can cause severe conditions such as sepsis, pneumonia, and endocarditis when it enters the bloodstream.
4. It assembles into heptameric or octameric pore structures on the surface of host cells.
5. Detection of α-Toxin in clinical samples can be critical for diagnosing Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Review Questions

• What type of cells does α-Toxin primarily target and disrupt?
• How does α-Toxin contribute to the severity of Staphylococcus aureus infections?
• What structural formation does α-Toxin create on host cell membranes?

Related terms

Exotoxin: A toxin released by bacteria into the surrounding environment.

Staphylococcus aureus: A type of bacteria that can cause various infections in humans.

Hemolysin: A substance that causes destruction of red blood cells by disrupting their membrane.