Toxins With Short-Range Effects Related to Invasion

Bacterial protein toxins which have adenylate cyclase activity are thought to have immediate effects on host cells that promote bacterial invasion. One component of the anthrax toxin (EF or Edema Factor) is an adenylate cyclase that acts on nearby cells to cause increased levels of cyclic AMP and disruption of cell permeability. One of the toxins of Bordetella pertussis, the agent of whooping cough, has a similar effect. These toxins may contribute to invasion through their effects on macrophages or lymphocytes in the vicinity which are playing an essential role to contain the infection. For example, since they use ATP as a substrate, they may deplete phagocyte reserves of energy needed for ingestion. Edema is seen as a pathology because the increase in cAMP in affected cells disrupts equilibrium.

Gelatinous edema seen in a cutaneous anthrax lesion. CDC.

The following table summarizes the activities of many bacterial proteins that are noted for their contribution to bacterial invasion of tissues.

TABLE 3. SOME EXTRACELLULAR BACTERIAL PROTEINS THAT ARE CONSIDERED INVASINS

Invasin	Bacteria Involved	Activity
Hyaluronidase	Streptococci, staphylococci and clostridia	Degrades hyaluronic of connective tissue
Collagenase	Clostridium species	Dissolves collagen framework of muscles
Neuraminidase	Vibrio cholerae and Shigella dysenteriae	Degrades neuraminic acid of intestinal mucosa
Coagulase	Staphylococcus aureus	Converts fibrinogen to fibrin which causes clotting
Kinases	Staphylococci and streptococci	Converts plasminogen to plasmin which digests fibrin
Leukocidin	Staphylococcus aureus	Disrupts neutrophil membranes and causes discharge of lysosomal granules
Streptolysin	Streptococcus pyogenes	Repels phagocytes and disrupts phagocyte membrane and causes discharge of lysosomal granules
Hemolysins	Streptococci, staphylococci and clostridia	Phospholipases or lecithinases that destroy red blood cells (and other cells) by lysis
Lecithinases	Clostridium perfringens	Destroy lecithin in cell membranes
Phospholipases	Clostridium perfringens	Destroy phospholipids in cell membrane
Anthrax EF	Bacillus anthracis	One component (EF) is an adenylate cyclase which causes increased levels of intracellular cyclic AMP
Pertussis AC	Bordetella pertussis	One toxin component is an adenylate cyclase that acts locally producing an increase in intracellular cyclic AMP