SHIGA TOXIN Meaning and
Definition
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Shiga toxin is a potent bacterial toxin produced by certain strains of bacteria belonging to the genus Shigella and specific types of Escherichia coli (E. coli). It is named after the Japanese scientist Kiyoshi Shiga, who first discovered the bacteria causing dysentery in the early 20th century. Shiga toxin is a subgroup of the larger family of toxins known as AB5 toxins.
Shiga toxin is a protein toxin that consists of two subunits: subunit A, which is responsible for cytotoxicity, and subunit B, which is responsible for binding to target cells. It exerts its toxic effects by inhibiting protein synthesis in the host cells, particularly in cells lining the gastrointestinal tract and blood vessels.
Exposure to Shiga toxin can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. It can also cause damage to various organs, particularly the kidneys, potentially leading to a life-threatening condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in some individuals, especially young children and the elderly.
Shiga toxin-producing bacteria are typically transmitted through contaminated food or water, and person-to-person transmission can also occur, especially in settings with poor hygiene practices. The detection of Shiga toxin is an important diagnostic tool for identifying infections caused by these bacteria. Treatment for Shiga toxin-related illnesses mainly involves supportive care, including fluid replacement, but antibiotic therapy is generally not recommended as it may increase the release of toxins.
In conclusion, Shiga toxin is a potent bacterial toxin produced by certain strains of Shigella and E. coli, capable of causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms and potentially leading to serious complications such as HUS.
Common Misspellings for SHIGA TOXIN
- ahiga toxin
- zhiga toxin
- xhiga toxin
- dhiga toxin
- ehiga toxin
- whiga toxin
- sgiga toxin
- sbiga toxin
- sniga toxin
- sjiga toxin
- suiga toxin
- syiga toxin
- shuga toxin
- shjga toxin
- shkga toxin
- shoga toxin
- sh9ga toxin
- sh8ga toxin
- shifa toxin
- shiva toxin
Etymology of SHIGA TOXIN
The word "Shiga toxin" is named after Kiyoshi Shiga, a Japanese physician and bacteriologist who first identified the toxin in 1898. Shiga was investigating the cause of severe dysentery outbreaks in Japan, which led him to discover a bacterium called Shigella dysenteriae. He also isolated a potent toxin produced by this bacterium, which came to be known as the "Shiga toxin" in his honor. Shiga's research laid the foundation for the understanding and study of Shiga toxin, its mechanisms, and its association with diseases such as bloody diarrhea and hemolytic-uremic syndrome.
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