Clostridium difficile toxin B

Definition

Clostridium difficile toxin B is a potent cytotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium difficile. It disrupts the actin cytoskeleton of host cells, leading to cell death and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Clostridium difficile toxin B is one of the two major toxins (A and B) produced by C. difficile, with toxin B being more potent.
2. Toxin B primarily targets and disrupts the actin filaments within cells, causing cell rounding and apoptosis.
3. It plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of C. difficile-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis.
4. Detection of toxin B in stool samples is a key diagnostic criterion for confirming C. difficile infection (CDI).
5. Toxin B's activity leads to inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining, which manifests as severe diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Review Questions

• What cellular structures does Clostridium difficile toxin B target?
• How does toxin B contribute to the symptoms of C. difficile infections?
• Why is detection of toxin B important in diagnosing C. difficile infection?

Related terms

Clostridium difficile:

A Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that causes gastrointestinal infections.

Pseudomembranous colitis: An inflammation of the colon associated with an overgrowth of Clostridium difficile.

Toxin A (tcdA): Another major exotoxin produced by Clostridium difficile, less potent than toxin B but also contributes to disease pathology.