How Do You Spell STAPHYLOLYSIN?

1. Staphylolysin, also known as staphylococcal alpha-toxin, is a protein enzyme secreted by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. It possesses potent lytic (breaking down) properties that are specifically targeted against various host cells.

   Staphylolysin is considered a major virulence factor of Staphylococcus aureus, contributing to its pathogenicity and the development of infections. The protein is a cytolytic pore-forming toxin that plays a crucial role in the destruction of host cell membranes by creating pores or channels in them. By forming these channels, staphylolysin is able to disrupt the integrity of the targeted cell's plasma membrane, leading to its lysis and subsequent release of cellular contents.

   Staphylolysin is responsible for the characteristic destruction of red blood cells observed in certain types of staphylococcal infections, such as staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome and toxic shock syndrome. Additionally, it can lyse other cell types, including white blood cells and epithelial cells, which impairs the immune response and promotes bacterial survival and spread.

   Understanding the mechanism of action of staphylolysin has been a subject of extensive research, as it is considered a potential target for the development of novel therapeutic approaches against Staphylococcus aureus infections. By inhibiting or neutralizing staphylolysin, it may be possible to prevent host cell damage and limit the spread of the bacteria, enhancing the efficacy of conventional antibacterial treatments.

2. 1. An hemolysin excreted by a staphylococcus. 2. An antibody causing lysis of staphylococci.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for STAPHYLOLYSIN

The word "staphylolysin" has its roots in two components: "staphyl-" and "-lysin".

The prefix "staphyl-" comes from the Greek word "staphylē", which means "grape". In medical terminology, "staphyl-" refers to anything related to the throat or uvula (the soft tissue hanging at the back of the throat), as they resemble grapes.

The suffix "-lysin" is derived from the Greek word "lysīs", which means "loosening" or "dissolution". This affix is commonly used to indicate enzymes that can break down or dissolve certain substances.

Therefore, "staphylolysin" is a term used to describe an enzyme that can dissolve or break down certain components related to the throat or uvula. It specifically refers to a type of enzyme produced by the bacteria Staphylococcus.