Exfoliatin
Exfoliatin
Exfoliatin (pronounced ex-fo-lee-ay-tin) is a toxin produced by certain strains of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. It is responsible for the symptoms of Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS), a serious skin infection.
Etymology
The term "exfoliatin" is derived from the Latin "exfoliare", meaning "to strip off leaves". In the context of this toxin, it refers to the peeling or shedding of the skin that occurs in SSSS.
Function
Exfoliatin is a exotoxin, a type of toxin that is secreted by bacteria and released into the surrounding environment. It acts as an epidermolytic toxin, meaning it causes the outer layers of the skin to break down and peel away. This is the primary mechanism behind the symptoms of SSSS.
Related Terms
- Staphylococcus aureus: The bacterium that produces exfoliatin.
- Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS): A serious skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus strains that produce exfoliatin.
- Exotoxin: A type of toxin that is secreted by bacteria and released into the surrounding environment.
- Epidermolytic toxin: A type of toxin that causes the outer layers of the skin to break down and peel away.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Exfoliatin
- Wikipedia's article - Exfoliatin
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