Virulence Factors Quiz (BMS Learning Outcomes)
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Questions and Answers

What is the role of adhesins in the context of virulence factors?

  • They cause systemic inflammation.
  • They break down host tissues.
  • They stimulate an excessive immune response.
  • They allow pathogens to attach to host cells. (correct)
  • How do exotoxins differ from endotoxins in terms of their stability?

  • Both exotoxins and endotoxins are heat-stable.
  • Exotoxins are heat-labile while endotoxins are heat-stable. (correct)
  • Exotoxins are heat-stable while endotoxins are heat-labile.
  • Both exotoxins and endotoxins are heat-labile.
  • Which of the following is an example of a membrane-disrupting toxin?

  • Cholera toxin
  • Diphtheria toxin
  • Botulinum toxin
  • Streptolysin (correct)
  • What is the primary function of superantigens in the context of virulence?

    <p>To activate a large number of T-cells excessively (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes endotoxins?

    <p>They are found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mechanism do viruses use for adhesion to host cells?

    <p>Binding of viral proteins to host cell receptors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes antigenic variation in viruses?

    <p>It allows viruses to evade the immune system by changing surface proteins. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of exotoxin inhibits neurotransmitter release, leading to paralysis?

    <p>A-B toxins (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary effect of cholera toxin as an exotoxin?

    <p>It disrupts normal cellular function leading to diarrhea. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What consequence can high concentrations of endotoxins lead to in the host?

    <p>Septic shock (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Virulence factors

    Molecules produced by pathogens that help them cause infection and disease. They include adhesins for attaching to host cells, exoenzymes for breaking down tissues, and toxins for damaging cells.

    Exotoxins

    Proteins secreted by bacteria that damage host cells. They can be highly specific, targeting a particular cell type or function.

    Endotoxins

    Toxins embedded in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. They trigger a general inflammatory response, which can lead to fever and even septic shock.

    Intracellular-targeting toxins (A-B toxins)

    Exotoxins that enter cells and disrupt specific functions, often by interfering with protein synthesis or blocking nerve signals.

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    Membrane-disrupting toxins

    Exotoxins that damage host cell membranes by creating holes or breaking down lipids, leading to cell death.

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    Superantigens

    Exotoxins that trigger an exaggerated immune response by activating many T-cells, releasing a large amount of inflammatory cytokines.

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    Viral adhesins

    Viral proteins that bind to specific receptors on host cells, allowing the virus to attach and enter.

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    Antigenic variation

    The ability of viruses to change their surface proteins, making it difficult for the immune system to recognize and attack them.

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    Hemagglutinin

    A viral protein that binds to sialic acid on respiratory cells, allowing influenza to infect the lungs.

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    Glycoprotein gp120

    A viral protein that binds to CD4 and co-receptors on immune cells, enabling HIV to infect these cells.

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    Study Notes

    Virulence Factors and Infectious Disease

    • Virulence factors are molecules produced by pathogens to cause infections, tissue damage, and evade the immune system.
    • These factors include adhesins (attach to host cells), exoenzymes (break down host tissues), and toxins (damage host cells).

    Endotoxins vs. Exotoxins

    • Endotoxins: Found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria (Lipid A). They cause general inflammation (fever, shock) and are heat-stable.
    • Exotoxins: Protein toxins secreted by bacteria (Gram-positive and some Gram-negative). They target specific cells and tissues, causing damage via precise mechanisms. Exotoxins are heat-labile and highly potent in low doses.

    Types of Exotoxins

    • Intracellular-targeting toxins (A-B toxins): Enter cells and disrupt specific functions. Examples include diphtheria toxin (inhibits protein synthesis) and botulinum toxin (inhibits neurotransmitter release).
    • Membrane-disrupting toxins: Damage host cell membranes by creating pores or degrading phospholipids, causing cell lysis. An example is streptolysin.
    • Superantigens: These exotoxins trigger a massive immune response by activating many T cells, leading to a cytokine storm. An example is toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST).

    Viral Adhesion and Antigenic Variation

    • Adhesion mechanisms: Viruses use viral proteins (adhesins) to bind to host cell receptors. Examples include Hemagglutinin (Influenza) binding to sialic acid and gp120 (HIV) binding to CD4 and co-receptors.
    • Antigenic variation: Viruses evade the immune system by changing surface proteins.
      • Antigenic drift: Small mutations in viral proteins.
      • Antigenic shift: Reassortment of viral genes, creating new strains (influenza).

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    Description

    Explore the crucial roles of virulence factors in infectious diseases. This quiz covers the differences between endotoxins and exotoxins, their mechanisms of action, and examples of various types of exotoxins. Test your knowledge on how these factors contribute to pathogenicity.

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