Toxins and virulence factors

TOXINS AND VIRULENCE FACTORS
  • B. anthracis produces an extracellular toxin which is composed of three components, Factor I, II & III namely oedema factor (EF), protective antigen (PA) and lethal factor (LF) respectively.
  • Factor I consists of chelating compound containing phosphorus with protein and carbohydrate moieties.
  • Factor II & III consists of proteins.
  • All three factors are essential to exhibit their toxic properties.
  • They are not toxic individually but the whole complex produces local odema and generalized shock.
Last modified: Monday, 4 June 2012, 4:20 AM