VEROTOXIN Meaning and
Definition
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Verotoxin, also known as Shiga toxin or Shiga-like toxin, is a type of protein toxin that is produced by certain strains of bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli) species. It is named after the Japanese bacteriologist Kiyoshi Shiga, who first discovered it in the late 19th century.
Verotoxin is a potent cytotoxin that primarily affects the cells lining the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the colon. It is composed of two main subunits, A and B. The B subunit is responsible for attaching to specific receptors on the surface of target cells, while the A subunit enters the cell and exerts its toxic effects.
Once inside the host cell, the A subunit of verotoxin inhibits the function of ribosomes, the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis. This disruption leads to cell death and tissue damage. In severe cases, verotoxin can cause extensive damage to the cells lining the intestines, leading to symptoms such as bloody diarrhea.
Verotoxin-producing strains of E. coli are associated with various clinical conditions, including hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the destruction of red blood cells, kidney damage, and sometimes central nervous system complications.
Overall, verotoxin is a powerful bacterial toxin that plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of certain strains of E. coli bacteria, causing significant damage to the gastrointestinal tract and potentially leading to severe health complications.
Common Misspellings for VEROTOXIN
- berotoxin
- gerotoxin
- ferotoxin
- vwrotoxin
- vsrotoxin
- vdrotoxin
- vrrotoxin
- v4rotoxin
- v3rotoxin
- veeotoxin
- vedotoxin
- vefotoxin
- vetotoxin
- ve5otoxin
- ve4otoxin
- veritoxin
- verktoxin
- verltoxin
- verptoxin
- ver0toxin
Etymology of VEROTOXIN
The word Verotoxin is derived from the Latin word vero meaning true or truly and the noun toxin referring to a poisonous substance. Verotoxin is specific to the toxin produced by certain strains of bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. coli). The name Verotoxin is attributed to the initial discovery and isolation of the toxin from a strain of E. coli known as Vero cell. The Vero cell line, derived from the kidney of an African green monkey, was instrumental in identifying and characterizing the toxin, thus leading to the name Verotoxin.
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