Vaginolysin
from class:
Microbiology
Definition
Vaginolysin is a pore-forming toxin produced by Gardnerella vaginalis, a bacterium associated with bacterial vaginosis. It targets human cells, particularly affecting the vaginal epithelium by lysing cell membranes.
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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Vaginolysin specifically binds to cholesterol in the host cell membrane, facilitating its pore-forming activity.
- It is an important virulence factor of Gardnerella vaginalis, contributing to the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.
- The presence of vaginolysin can disrupt the normal vaginal flora, leading to an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria.
- Vaginolysin's activity can trigger an inflammatory response in the host, exacerbating infection symptoms.
- Research into inhibitors of vaginolysin could lead to targeted treatments for bacterial vaginosis.
Review Questions
- What role does vaginolysin play in the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis?
- How does vaginolysin interact with host cell membranes?
- Why is vaginolysin considered a virulence factor for Gardnerella vaginalis?
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