What is the major virulence factor associated with Corynebacterium diphtheriae?

Toxin. The main virulence factor of C. diphtheriae is diphtheria toxin (DT), an exotoxin, released by the bacteria after entering the human body.

What toxin does Corynebacterium diphtheriae produce?

Diphtheria toxin (DT)
Diphtheria toxin (DT) is one of the most extensively studied bacterial toxins with intracellular action. It is produced by toxigenic strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae and is responsible for the symptoms of diphtheria. The toxin was isolated in 1888.

What is unique about Corynebacterium diphtheriae?

Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make toxin (poison). It can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, and even death. CDC recommends vaccines for infants, children, teens, and adults to prevent diphtheria.

How does Corynebacterium diphtheriae cause diphtheriae?

Diphtheria is a contagious infection caused by a bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The bacterium releases a toxin that causes a buildup of grey tissue in your throat, leading to problems with swallowing and breathing.

How does Corynebacterium diphtheriae cause disease?

What is the pathogenic mechanism of diphtheria toxin?

Diphtheria toxin is an exotoxin secreted by Corynebacterium, the pathogenic bacterium that causes diphtheria. The toxin gene is encoded by a prophage called corynephage β. The toxin causes the disease in humans by gaining entry into the cell cytoplasm and inhibiting protein synthesis.

What are the risk factors for diphtheria?

Common risk factors in the development of diphtheria may include:

  • Lack of immunization.
  • History of contact with diphtheria patients.
  • Presence of skin lesions.
  • Presence of eczema.
  • History of chronic health conditions.
  • History of travel to areas endemic for diphtheria.
  • Overcrowding.
  • Exposure to poor sanitary conditions.

How does Corynebacterium diphtheriae enter the body?

Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make a toxin (poison). It is the toxin that can cause people to get very sick. Diphtheria bacteria spread from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing.

Which of the following would be a virulence factor of a pathogen?

Factors that are produced by a microorganism and evoke disease are called virulence factors. Examples are toxins, surface coats that inhibit phagocytosis, and surface receptors that bind to host cells.