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Coagulase is a virulence factor for Staphylococcus aureus that acts by causing clot formation at the site of S. aureus growth. Streptokinase is a virulence factor for Streptococcus pyogenes that acts by dissolving clots at the site of S. pyogenes growth. Reconcile these opposing strategies for enhancing pathogenicity.
To explain:
The virulent effect of coagulase and streptokinase for enhancing pathogenicity.
Concept introduction:
Coagulase and streptokinase are the virulence factors released by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes respectively. Coagulase helps in the process of clot formation thereby protecting the colony of S. aureus cells from the host immune response. Streptokinase helps in dissolving the clot for the further spread and growth of the micro-organism. Coagulase and streptokinase works antagonistically in the process of blood clotting.
Explanation of Solution
Pictorial representation: The figure depicting the action of Coagulase and Streptokinase is represented as follows:
Fig.1: The mode of action of Coagulase and Streptokinase.
Staphylococcus aureus enters the wound and help in the conversion of “fibrinogen to fibrin” thereby resulting the formation of clot and protection of S. aureus cells. Streptokinase released by Streptococcus pyogenes help in dissolving the clot and spreading the proliferation of the microorganism in different cells and tissues.
The antagonistic nature of these two virulence factors can be used to enhance the rate of pathogenicity in a particular cell or tissue of an individual. In the case of coagulase, a protection cover is generated with the help of fibrin that prevents the further action of drugs and does not allow the process of phagocytosis. In streptokinase, the fibrin/clot is dissolved leading to growth and spread of microorganism resulting in the spread of infection to other part of cells.
Hence, these two virulence factors work antagonistically to increase the process of pathogenicity in an individual.
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Chapter 25 Solutions
Brock Biology of Microorganisms (15th Edition)
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