TETANOLYSIN Meaning and
Definition
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Tetanolysin is a protein toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium tetani, which is responsible for causing the disease tetanus. This bacterium primarily infects wounds or puncture injuries, where it thrives in an anaerobic environment. The toxin is a fundamental virulence factor used by Clostridium tetani to spread throughout the host's body and cause severe muscle spasms and rigidity.
Tetanolysin belongs to the family of pore-forming toxins known as cholesterol-dependent cytolysins. It works by creating pores in the host cell membrane, disrupting the cell's integrity and leading to cell death. The toxin's ability to form pores depends on the presence of cholesterol, which is found abundantly in the host cell membrane.
Upon binding to the host cell membrane, tetanolysin undergoes a conformational change, which enables the protein to assemble and form oligomeric pores. Through these pores, tetanolysin can transport ions and other small molecules across the cell membrane, disrupting the balance of crucial cellular processes.
The release of tetanolysin also contributes to the spread of infection, as the toxin can damage nearby host cells, facilitating the bacterium's dissemination and colonization of new tissues.
The presence of tetanolysin in a host's bloodstream can be detected through various laboratory techniques, aiding in the diagnosis of tetanus. Understanding the mechanism of action of tetanolysin is crucial for the development of potential therapeutic strategies to counteract its effects and prevent severe complications associated with tetanus.
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A hemolytic toxin formed by Bacillus tetani; the toxin causing the characteristic symptoms is tetanospasmin.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TETANOLYSIN
- retanolysin
- fetanolysin
- getanolysin
- yetanolysin
- 6etanolysin
- 5etanolysin
- twtanolysin
- tstanolysin
- tdtanolysin
- trtanolysin
- t4tanolysin
- t3tanolysin
- teranolysin
- tefanolysin
- teganolysin
- teyanolysin
- te6anolysin
- te5anolysin
- tetznolysin
- tetsnolysin
Etymology of TETANOLYSIN
The word "tetanolysin" is derived from the combination of two main components: "tetano-" and "-lysin".
1. Tetano-: This prefix is derived from the Greek word "tetanos", meaning "tension" or "stiffness". It is specifically associated with the bacterial infection known as tetanus, caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani.
2. -Lysin: This suffix refers to a substance that has lysing or lytic properties. It comes from the Greek word "lysis", meaning "a loosening" or "dissolution". In biology, a lysin typically refers to a substance or enzyme that is capable of breaking down cells or membranes.
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