Both Streptococcus Pyogenes and Corynebacterium Diphtheriae Are Highly Pathogenic, and the Disease

question 31

Multiple Choice

Both Streptococcus pyogenes and Corynebacterium diphtheriae are highly pathogenic, and the disease symptomology can be very severe. Why is this?

• A) Infants and children are the high-risk groups, and their mortality rate is higher than for other ages.
• B) Both bacteria produce potent exotoxins.
• C) They induce autoimmune states in the patients.
• D) There are no antibiotics useful for diseases caused by these bacteria.

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Definitions:

Electron Beam

A stream of electrons moved through a vacuum or air, utilized in various applications including welding and electron microscopy.

Integrins

Receptor proteins that bind to specific proteins in the extracellular matrix and to membrane proteins on adjacent cells; transmit signals into the cell from the extracellular matrix.

Middle Lamella

The middle lamella is the layer of pectin-rich material between the cell walls of adjacent plant cells, acting as a cementing agent to hold them together.

Fibronectins

Glycoproteins of the extracellular matrix that bind to integrins (receptor proteins in the plasma membrane).