Leukocidin
Leukocidin
Leukocidin (pronounced: loo-koh-SY-din) is a type of exotoxin produced by certain bacteria, notably Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is capable of causing the destruction of leukocytes, a type of white blood cell, hence the name 'leukocidin', which comes from the Greek words 'leuko-', meaning 'white', and '-cidin', meaning 'killer'.
Etymology
The term 'leukocidin' is derived from the Greek words 'leuko-', meaning 'white', and '-cidin', meaning 'killer'. This is in reference to the toxin's ability to destroy leukocytes, or white blood cells.
Function
Leukocidin functions by forming pores in the membranes of leukocytes, causing the cells to lyse, or break apart. This can lead to a decrease in the body's ability to fight off infection, as leukocytes play a crucial role in the immune response.
Related Terms
- Exotoxin: A toxin released by a living bacterial cell into its surroundings.
- Leukocytes: Also known as white blood cells, these are the cells of the immune system that are involved in protecting the body against both infectious disease and foreign invaders.
- Staphylococcus aureus: A type of bacteria that can cause various infections.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Another type of bacteria known for its resistance to antibiotics and its role in causing disease.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Leukocidin
- Wikipedia's article - Leukocidin
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