Active Training Company

Dr. TAMER ELHABIBI

Microbiology

I. In microbiology we study two types of organisms:

A. Living organisms
1. Archaea: prokaryotes with with cell wall that are bichemically different from bacteria
and that inhabit extreme environments of heat, cold, ph, or salts. Arachaea are not
medically important.
2. Eukarya:
a. Fungi: classified according to the type of reproductive structures.
1. Ascomycota.
2. Basidiomycota..
3. Zygomycota.
4. Deutromycota. (also called fungi imperfecti)
b. Protozoa: unicellular, nonphotosynthetic eukaryotes characterized by mode of
motility, include the following:
1. Mastigophora (flagellates) (e.g. Giardia)
2. Sarcodina (amoebae) (e.g. Entamoeba)
3. Ciliophora (ciliates) (e.g. Blantidium)
4. Sprozoa (nonmotile) (e.g. Plasmodium)
3. Bacteria

B. Non living but medically significant entities:

1. Viruses: classified by:
a. Caspid structure: protein coat around the nucleic acid.
b. Type of mucleic acid: which could be DNA or RNA.
c. Presence or absence of lipid envelope surrounding the protein caspid.
2. Prions, infectious proteins (e.g. mad cow disease)
Microorganisms can be:

-Pathogenic: cause disease

-Non Pathogenic: not cause disease

Bacteria classified according to their habitat and way of living into:

1. Saprophytic bacteria: live freely in nature and obtain their nutrients from simple components from C & H.
2. Parasitic bacteria: live on or in the host tissue and obtain their nutrients from complex compounds causing
disturbance of host physiological functions.

Active Training Company

Page 1

Active Training Company

Dr. TAMER ELHABIBI

Parasitic bacteria may be:

a) Pathogenic: cause disease
b) Commensal (non pathogenic): live in or on the body without exerting harmful effect, some of them became
pathogenic if the body immunity decreased by any means.

I.

Structure of the prokaryotic cell

A. Overview
Small and simple in design
Less complex inside, more complex outside
Lack a true nucleus, nuclear membrane
Cytoplasm is immobile (no endo or exocytosis)
Multiply asexually by binary fission (no mitosis)
Protein synthesis mediated by 70s not 80s ribosomes
Genetic materialsingle supercoiled circular strand of DNA (nucleoid)

1) Basic structure:

a) cell wall

b) cell membrane

c) cytoplasm

d) nuclear body

2) Accessory structures: capsule:

a)fimbrea

b)inclusion granules c)flagellum

B. Basic structures:
1. Cell wall:

It is the outer most component of all bacteria. It is a complex, semi rigid, multilayered structure located external
to the cytoplasmic membrane.

The thickness and chemical composition of bacterial cell wall depending upon the bacterial type, gram positive
or gram negative.

Difference in Gram reaction is due to difference in physical and chemical makeup of the cell wall.

The backbone material of cell wall is peptidoglycan.

Peptidoglycan consist of horizontal layers of alternating polymer of N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG) and N-acetyl
muramic acid (NAM) linked by glycosidic bond. Horizontal layers are linked to each other by vertical layers of
peptides.

Peptidoglycan

Gram Positive

Gram Negative

Form about 50 % of the cell

Form 5-10% of the cell

Active Training Company

Page 2

Active Training Company

Dr. TAMER ELHABIBI

wall

wall

Teichoic acid

Lipoproteins

Lipopolysacharides (endotoxin)

Phospholipids

Function of the cell wall:

1. Rigid structure that maintain the shape of the bacteria.
2. Osmotically insensitive, it protects the cytoplasmic membrane from bursting in the hypotonic solution.
3. Plays an important role in identification differentiation of bacteria by gram stain.
4. Plays a role in cell division.
5. Contribute in the ability of some species to cause disease and is the site of action of some antibiotics.
Cell wall deficient bacteria:
1. Mycoplasma: are the only bacterial species deficient in cell wall. They are pleomorphic and are not destroyed
by penicillin which acts on the bacterial cell wall.
2. Bacterial cell wall may be lost under the effect of certain conditions (treatment with penicillin).

If such treated cells are placed in osmotically protective media, they librate:
Protoplasts from Gram positive.

Spheroplasts from Gram negative cells.

If such cells are able to grow and divide they are called L-forms. Unlike mycoplasma, L-form can revert to
parental from upon removal of the cell wall inhibitor.
The cell wall of acid fast bacteria, such as Mycobacterium consists of 60% mycolic acid, a waxy lipid.

2. Cytoplasmic membrane:

It is a semi permeable double layered structure composed of phospholipids and proteins.

Function: To maintain a constant environment inside the cell by controlled transport mechanisms including:

1. Selective permeability to different molecules.

2. Active transport of ions.
3. Supplies the cell with energy.
4. Excretion of hydrolytic exoenzymes.
5. Excretion of pathogenicity proteins.
6. Provide enzymes and lipid carriers for cell wall synthesis.
7. Play role in DNA replication.

Active Training Company

Page 3

Active Training Company

Dr. TAMER ELHABIBI

3. Intracytoplasmic structures
1. Cytoplasm:

Refers to the substances in the cell inside the plasma membrane. Cytoplasm is thick and
semitransparent. It is about 80% water and contains primarily proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, inorganic
ions and many molecular weight compounds.

2. The nucleid:

It is a single circular packed bundle of stranded DNA molecule (chromosome).

There is no nuclear membrane nucleolus.

Function: carry the genetic information to the daughter cells.

3. Ribosomes:

They are the site of protein synthesis. Tightly packed spherical particles present in the cytoplasm.

Composed from 40% protein and 60 % RNA bacterial ribosomes are 70 in size with 30 S and 50 S
subunits.

4. Plasmids:

They are extrachromosomal double stranded circular DNA molecules that are capable of replicating
independent of the bacterial chrosome.

C. External structures:
1. Glycocalyx (meaning sugar coat): It is a viscous gelatinous layer outside the cell wall of some species
composed of polysaccharide, exception anthrax bacillus has a polypeptide.
2

types:

a) Capsule

b) Slime layer

A. Capsule
-

Adherent surface coat.

Antigenic differences among capsules can be used in identifying strains of bacteria

The presence of capsule can be determined by using negative stain such as the Indian ink.

Capsulated cells from smooth colonies (s), while non capsulated cells from rough colonies (R)

Has several function:

a. Increase the virulence of microorganism.
b. Prevent phagocytosis of the organism by macrophages and neutrophils.
c. Aids in adherence of the organism to host cell (biofilm).
d. Some bacteria may use its capsule as a source of nutrition.

Active Training Company

Page 4

Active Training Company

Dr. TAMER ELHABIBI

e. A glycocalyx can protect the cell against dehydration.

B. Slime layer: Non adherent and loosely bound to the surface
2. Flagella

The organ of motility in all motile bacteria. The move the bacteria towards nutrients and other
attractants (chemotaxis).

Flagella are thin filamentous appendages that are attached to the cell wall and the cytoplasmic
membrane by a basal layer.

Composed of a single protein flagellin which is antigenic and differ in different bacterial species.

Types of flagella according to its distribution:

A. Monotrichous: one at one pole.
B. Lophotrichous: bunch of flagella at one or both poles.
C. Amphitrichous: Single flagellum at each pole.
D. Peritrichous: Flagella distributed all over the cell.

3. Fimbriae (pilli):

Hair like filaments that extend outwards from the cell surface, shorter and thinner than flagella and
composed of pilin protein.

Pili found only in Gram negative organisms.

Two types of pili:

a) Ordinary pili: responsible for adhesion, attachment to mucosa, heamagglutination and virulence factor of
bacteria.
b) Sex pili: responsible for attachment between 2 cells during conjugation to transfer genetic material.

Bacterial endospore:

They are highly resistant resting forms of gram positive bacteria. They are found upon exposure to
unfavourable condition (e.g depletion of nutrient, heat, dryness)

Spore formation is a characteristic feature of gram positive bacilli in the aerobic genus bacillus (B.
antheracis). And anaerobic genus Clostridium (e.g. C. tetai)

An endospore return to its vegetative state by process called germination when external conditions
became favourable.

Spores are formed only in vitro (not develop in animal tissue). Spores are highly resistant to heat,
boiling and chemical.

Active Training Company

Page 5

Active Training Company

Dr. TAMER ELHABIBI

Resistance of spores is due to:

1. Very low permeability of spore wall.
2. High content of Ca and dipicolinic acid.
3. Very low metabolic activity (dormant).
4. Low water content.

II.

Bacterial physiology

Chemical composition of M.O

Bacteria: 70-80% water
20-30% dry weight:80% macromoles (protein, fat, polysaccharides and nucleic a)
10% micromoles (sugar, amino acids and vitamins)
10% inorganic salts.
Bacterial nutrition:
Nutritional types:
1- Autotrophs: bacteria than can utilize CO2 as a sole source of Carbon
a. Photoautotrophs: use light as a source of energy.
b. Chemoautotrophs: oxidize organic and inorganic compounds to produce energy
2- Heterotrophs: bacteria that can use organic compounds as their main carbon source
a. Photoheterotrophs: use light as a source of energy.
b. Chemoheterotrophs: oxidize organic and inorganic compounds to produce energy
3. Prototrophs: Bacteria that has no special nutritional requirements.
4. Auxotrophs: mutated cells that cannt synthesize the same essential nutrients as their parent cells.
5. Subsets:
a. Halophylic: Organisms whose nutrients must be in soluble form.
b. Halozoic: Organisms that need complex nutrients, often solid materials.
c. Saprophytic: Organisms whose nutrients are obtained from dead organis matter.
d. Parasitic: Organisms whose nutrients are obtained from other living organism.

A- Gaseous requirement of bacteria:

1- Oxygen: according to oxygen requirement, bacteria are classified into 5 groups:
1- Obligate aerobes: only grow in the presence of oxygen because their energy generating system is dependent on
oxygen as hydrogen acceptor, (e.g. M. tuberculosis and P. aeroginosa).

Active Training Company

Page 6

Active Training Company

Dr. TAMER ELHABIBI

They possess Catalase and Superoxide dismutase enzymes and cannot ferment sugar.
Reduction of O2 give toxic superoxide radical (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) which will convert to water
and O2 by catalase or to water only by peroxidase.
2- Facultative anaerobes: can grow in the presence or absence of O2. They respire using O2 to generate energy by
aerobic respiration if it is present. However, they generate energy in the absence of O2. They possess Catalse
and Superoxide dismutase.
3- Obligate anaerobes: Grow only in the complete absence of O2 and die in its presence (eg. Clostridium tetani).
In the presence of O2, two toxic molecules are produced: hydrogen peroxide and superoxide ion. And these
bacteria lack the enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase that breakdown these molecules.
4- Micro-aerophilic bacteria: they require a low oxygen tension for growth, lower than that present in atmosphere
(eg. Campylobacter). High concentration may not be lethal but they inhibit growth. They have small amount of
catalase and superoxide dismutase and produce small amount of growth.
5- Capnophiles: require higher levels of carbon dioxide than that found in normal atmospheric pressure (Nisseria)

B- Temperature requirement for growth:

1. Mesophilic bacteria: Grow best at 20-45 C (most human pathogens)
2. Thermophilic bacteria: grow best 45-60 C
3. Psuchrophilic bacteria: grow best <20 C (not medically important)

C- Hydrogen ion concentration (PH):

Most pathogenic species of bacteria can grow at neutral PH (7.2-7.6), however few species grow at alkaline PH
(8) Basophilic such as V. cholerae and lactobacilli prefer an acid PH (4) Acidophilic.

Bacterial Metabolism
Metabolism:
1. Catabolism: Consist of the break down (oxidation) of food (macromoles) into micromoles + energy and
reducing power.
2. Anabolism: Consist of synthesis of macromoles from micromoles this reaction requires energy.
Energy sources:
1. Light (photosynthesis): Photosynthetic organism trap solar energy with the help of chlorophyll. Light energy is
converted to chemical energy in a serious of chemical reactions and ATP generated.
2. Inorganic sources: Molecules such as H2, S, NH3, NO2 and Fe++ can be utilized.
3. Organic sources: (all industrially and medically important bacteria).

Active Training Company

Page 7

Active Training Company

Dr. TAMER ELHABIBI

Energy production can take place by the following mechanisms:

1. Aerobic respiration.

2. Anaerobic respiration.

3. Fermentation.

1. Aerobic respiration:

Aerobic organisms employ (O2) as final electron acceptor.

Glucose is the most common carbon source and particularly all organisms whether they are aerobic or anaerobic
subject glucose first to the glycolytic cycles. This cycle gives common intermediate, Pyruvic.

In glycolytic process the generation of ATP at the 2 steps known as substrate phosphorylation.

In aerobic respiration carried by aerobic bacteria, Pyruvic acid can be further oxidized by tricarboxylic acid
cycles or krebs cycles.

At each step in the TCA cycle, whenever a pair of electrons (H) is liberated, they can enter the respiratory chain
known as the electron transport system (ETS) (Oxidative phosphorylation).

Electron transport system ETS (Oxidative phosphorylation):

H2 and electrons from glycolysis, also H2 from TCA are transferred to NAD which enter ETS generating
energy.

ETS is located in the cytoplasmic membrane.

A pair of electrons carried through this system allows the formation of 3 molecules of ATP. This is known as
oxidative phosphorylation.

2. Fermentation:

In anaerobic bacteria and facultative anaerobes (e.g. E.coli) in the absence of O2, after the initial stage

Utilize organic molecules as a final electron acceptor.

3. Anaerobic respiration:

Some anaerobic organisms utilize inorganic molecules (other than O2 such as SO4 and NO2) as final electron
acceptor.

N.B:

-In oxidative phosphorylation (Aerobic respiration)

1 mole of glucose give 38 moles of ATP
-In substrate phosphorylation (Anaerobic respiration)
1 moles of glucose gives 2 moles of ATP.

Active Training Company

Page 8

Active Training Company

III.

Dr. TAMER ELHABIBI

Bacterial Reproduction

Growth:
1. Growth cycle of bacterial population is by transverse binary fission. i.e. one of cell divides into two equal
daughter cells similar in genetic character to the mother cell.
2. The time interval required for the cell to divide or for the population to double is known as the generation time.
3. Not all the bacteria have the same generation time.
4. The generation time is strongly dependent upon the nutrient in the medium and on prevailing physical
conditions.
5. Where one bacterium is inoculated into a medium after one generation has elapsed, there are 2 cells; after
another generation, 4 cells; after the third generation, 8 cells.
Bacterial growth curve
If a small number of bacteria inoculated into a liquid nutrient medium and the bacteria are counted at frequent
intervals and the results plotted, a characteristic growth curve with four phases is obtained:
a) Lag phase: It is the first phase during which no cell division occurs. The bacteria adapt to the
environment by formation of new enzymes and macromolecules needed for replication.
b) Exponential or logarithmic phase: During this phase rapid cell division occurs and the number of
bacterial cells increases steadily by time. Many antibiotics are effective during this phase, e.g. beta lactam
drugs, such as penicillin, which acts when the cell is forming peptidoglycan.
c) Stationary phase: During this phase any bacterial multiplication which takes place is balanced by an
increased death rate due to the exhaustion of nutrients and the accumulation of toxic products. Thus the number
of living organisms remains constant.
d) Decline or death phase: As the exhaustion of nutrients and accumulation of toxic products continue,
the death rate exceeds the multiplication rate and the number of viable bacteria decreases.

Active Training Company

Page 9

Active Training Company

log.
bact.
count

Logarithmic phase

Dr. TAMER ELHABIBI

Stationary
phase
decline phase

lag phase
Time

Bacterial growth curve showing the four phases of growth.

Continues culture of bacteria

-

Batch cultures: where the nutrients are not renewed, exponential growth is limited to a few generations.

Continuous cultures: a system where bacterial cultures can be maintained in a state of exponential growth
over long periods of time. Designed to relieve the conditions that stop exponential growth in batch cultures.
Two devices can be used in continuous culture CHEMOSTAT and TURBIDOSTAT can be used to
maintain a bacterial population at a constant density.

IV.

Bacterial genetics:

Bacterial chromosome (DNA structure):

It is a double stranded DNA molecule which is circular and wound on itself to form the molecular mass.

Each strand composed of backbone of phosphate and deoxyribose sugar.

Alternation to one another to which is attached the purine and pyrimidine bases.
Guanine (G)... (C) Cytosine

Adenine (A) .. (T) Thymine

Base + sugar= nucleoside

Nucleoside + phosphate = nucleotide

The two strands are associated by hydrogen bonds between (A-T) or (G-C). Thus the sequence of bases
along one strand must be matched on the opposite strand by a complementary sequence.

G and C are attached by 3 hydrogen bonds; while A and T are attached by 2 hydrogen bonds so G-C
stronger than A-T.

In RNA, the Thymine base (T) is replaced by Uracil (U).

Active Training Company

Page 10

Active Training Company

Dr. TAMER ELHABIBI

DNA

RNA

Double stranded

Single stranded

Deoxyribose sugar

Ribose sugar

Bases: A,G,C,T

Bases: A,G,C,U.

1 type

3 types: mRNA, rRNA, tRNA.

The chromosomes in functionally divided into segments called genes.

The sequence of nucleotides in a gene determines the amino acid sequence and hence the structure of
protein.

Gene: Units of heredity. They are segments on the chromosome or DNA that carry the information for a
specific character or a specific structure.

Genome: is the sum of genes on an organism and hence genetic determinant.

Essential genes for bacterial growth are carried on the chromosome, while other genes with
specialized functions are carried on plasmids

Enzymes acting on DNA:

1. Restriction endonuclease: An enzyme that cuts double stranded or single stranded DNA at specific
recognition nucleotide sequence known as restriction sites. They allow the separation of fragments
containing specific genes. The bacterial own DNA is methylated is a specific manner to be protected from
cleaving by restriction endonucleases it produce.
2. DNA ligae: legates (hold) the 2 segments of DNA together.
3. DNA polymerase: Pol I: implicated in DNA repair.
Pol II: involves in repairing damaged.
Pol III: the main polymerase in bacteria responsible for elongation (DNA replication).
4. DNA gyrase: promotes the supercoiling and twisting of DNA (applied to insert DNA in the cell).
5. DNAse: cut DNA at any site; convert it to nucleoside and bases (much dangerous in application).
6. DNA methylase: it converts and protects the sites attacked by enzymes on DNA; especially Restriction
endonucleases (prevent self attack of enzymes on DNA).
7. DNA helicase: separate strands of a DNA double helix.

Active Training Company

Page 11

Active Training Company

Dr. TAMER ELHABIBI

Gene expression (protein synthesis):

Protein synthesis occurs as follows:
1. Transcription:
The 2 strands are separated and once act as a template for the synthesis of a complementary strand of RNA
called Messenger RNA (mRNA) by the RNA polymerase enzyme.

2. Translation:

mRNA and tRNA come together on the surface of the ribosome. Each tRNA finds its
complementary nucleotide triplet on mRNA and the amino acid is linked with the adjacent one to
form a polypeptide chain.

The entire mRNA is translated into a corresponding sequence of animo acids linked to form
polypeptide chains and proteins are formed.

For each amino acid, there is a specific tRNA, which attaches to the amino acid at one end, where at
the other end, it has a triplet base (anti-codon) complementary to the triplet of bases on the mRNA
(Codon).

Bacterial Variation:
Phenotypic variation

Genotypic variation

Changes in the bacterial characters under the

Change in bacterial characters duo to underlying

influence of the environment with no change

genetic changes

in the genetic constitution

Reversible (Transient)

Irreversible (Permanent)

Not-heritable

Heritable

Example:
Changes in the colony morphology from
smooth to rough.

Example:
1. Mutation
2. Gene transfer:

Loss of cell wall in L-form of bacteria.

A. Transformation.

Loss of flagella on exposure to phenol.

B. Conjugation
C. Transduction.

I.

Mutation:

This is due to change in the sequence of bases in the DNA double helix.

This may be due to:

Active Training Company

Page 12

Active Training Company

Dr. TAMER ELHABIBI

-Substitution of One base pair for another (point mutation)

-Deletion of bases or insertion of new bases (frame shift mutation).

This alerts the genetic code (codon) and hence a different amino acid results, thus changing the protein
product of the gene affected. It can be induced at a higher rate by mutagenic agents such as X-rays,
ultraviolet light and alkylating agents.

II.

Gene transfer:

There are 3 types of gene transfer from one bacterium to the other leading to bacterial variation:

1. Transformation.
2. Conjugation.
3. Transduction.

1. Transformation:

This occurs when a recipient call takes up a fragment of bacteria DNA, Present free in the surrounding
medium.

This DNA fragment recombines with the bacterial chromosome which is transformed and the new genes are
expressed leading to changes in the characters of recipient cells.

In transformation with plasmid DNA, it become re-established in the recipient cell and autonomously
replicates.

2. Conjugation:

It is the mating of 2 bacterial cells, of the same or different species during which DNA is transferred from
the donor to the recipient cell.

Controlled by an F (fertility) plasmid (contain tra genes).

As the 2 come in contact, one strand of the plasmid separates and passes from F+ donor cell to the Frecipient cell (does not contain F plasmid) through the conjugation tube formed by sex pilus.

At the same time, a complementary strand is formed by both cells.

The process ends with an F+ recipient cells that aquires a plasmid copy.

3. Transduction:

Fragment of chromosomal DNA can be transferred or transduced into a second bacterium by bacteriophage.

V. Viruses:

Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites; they only grow on living cells.

Active Training Company

Page 13

Active Training Company

Dr. TAMER ELHABIBI

Replication of viruses depends upon the metabolic energy and the macromolecular synthetic
machinery of the host cell.

Bacteriophages are viruses that parasite bacterial cells. Different types of bacteria serve as hosts
for one or more phages.

A typical virus consists of:

1. Head composed of a protein coat (Caspid) containing the nucleic acid which is usually DNA and less
commonly RNA. The head may take different shapes, it is usually hexagonal.
2. The tail consists of a hollow core surrounded by a contractile sheath and a terminal base plate to which is
attached a tail fiber. The phage tail is the organ of attachment to the host cells.
Replication of viruses:
1. Adsorption: Virus attaches to a protein or polysaccharide on the surface of the cell. Adsorption occurs
between attachment sites on the phage (tail fibers) and specific receptor sites on the cell.
2. Penetration: The entire virus enters the cell.
3. Uncoating: Viral nucleic acid escapes from the caspid.
4. Biosynthesis: Viral genes are expressed resulting in the production of parts of virus (Viral DNa and
protein).
5. Assembly: Virus pieces are assembled to create a complete virions.
6. Release Maturation and accumulation of a huge number of phages, the cell bursts. Phage particles are
released and infect new cells.

Opportunistic infection
Under certain conditions, commensal bacteria may cause disease and should be considered as potential
pathogens or opportunists. Some of these conditions are:
1. Lowered host defense mechanisms
2. Alteration of the host tissues
3. Change in the natural habitat of the organisms

Carriers: is an apparently healthy individual who carries a pathogenic organism without showing clinical
manifestations, and can transmit this organism to other susceptible individuals.

Factors that govern disease production:

1. Microbial factors (pathogenicity and virulence).
2. Host resistance factors (natural and acquired immunity).

Active Training Company

Page 14

Active Training Company

Dr. TAMER ELHABIBI

1. Microbial factors

Pathogenicty is the ability of an organism to cause a disease.

Virulence is the degree of pathogenicity, in a pathogenic species of bacteria. e.g. Corynebacterium

diphtheria. Some strains are highly virulent producing severe diseases.

This depends on the ability of different strains to produce a toxin and on its potency.

Virulence factors of bacteria: These are certain structures or products that help microorganisms to
overcome body defense mechanisms and cause disease.

I. Adherence factors.
II. Invasive factors. 1. Antiphagocytic actions
2. Extracellular enzymes (Exoenzymes)
3. Ability to survive intracellular.
III. Toxin production

I. Adherence factors

Certain bacteria have specialized structures that help their adhesion to host cell mucus membranes.

For example: Pili of Nisseria. gonorroeae and E.coli mediate the attachment of organisms to the urinary
tract epithelium. Fimbriae causes adherence of streptococci to buccal mucosa.

II. Invasive factors:

This is the ability to invade tissue, multiply and spread rapidly causing the inflammatory process.

This may be partly due to:

1. Antiphagocytic action of certain surface components that protect the bacteria from phagocytosis and
destruction, e.g. the capsule of many organisms, e.g. pneumococci.
2. Extracellular enzymes (Exoenzymes):
These enzymes produced by some by some bacteria that increase its pathogenicity
a- Collagenase and hyaluronidase: which degrade collagen and hyaluronic acid respectively, allowing the
spread of bacteria (e.g. cellulitis caused by Strep. pyogens).
b- Lecithinase (Cl. perfringens) break down lecithin.
c- Coagulase (Staph. aureus) coagulates plasma with the deposition of a fibrin wall around staphylococcal
lesions which help them to persist.
d- Streptokinase (fibrinolysin) and streptodornase (deoxyribonuclease) are produced by strept. pyogenes the
former causes lysis of fibrin clots and the latter break down DNA.
e- Immunoglobin A (IgA) protease (N.gonorrhoeae) degrade the secretory IgA on mucus surfaces.

Active Training Company

Page 15

Active Training Company

Dr. TAMER ELHABIBI

3. Ability to survive intracellular: Some organisms can survive and grow intracellular escaping intracellular
killing by phagocytic cells (Mycobacterium tuberculosis).
III. Toxin production: Toxins are bacterial products which have a direct harmful action on tissue cells.
Two types: Exotoxin and Endotoxin.
Exotoxins
1. Definition

Endotoxins

Protein toxins secreted by living Part of the cell wall librated

bacteria (extracellular)

when the cell dies (lipid A &

LPS)

2. Location of genes

Plasmid or bacteriophage

Bacterial chromosome

3. Composition

Proteins

Lipopolysaccharides.

4. Action

Specific (neurotoxin)

Non-Specific (fever and shock)

5. Heat stability

Labile, destroyed at 60 C

Stable at 100 C for 1 hour

6. Immunogenicity

Strong

Weak

7. Toxicity

Strong

Weak

8. Convertibility to toxoid

Yes

No

9. Produced by

Gram positive bacteria

Gram negative bacteria

10. Example

C. diphtheria

Salmonella & E.coli

Active Training Company

Page 16