The Gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes has several virulence factors, including the presence of a hyaluronic acid capsule, M protein, streptokinase, and hyaluronidase. Discuss how these factors contribute to this bacterium's ability to cause a variety of diseases.
What will be an ideal response?
The hyaluronic acid capsule mimics tissues in the body and conceal the bacteria from white blood cells, while M protein interferes with phagocyte attack on the bacteria. Streptokinase and hyaluronidase contribute to the ability of S. pyogenes to invade the body. Streptokinase breaks down blood clots, and hyaluronidase breaks down the structure of tissues. Thus S. pyogenes can invade the body and cause damage while evading attack by the body's white blood cell defenders.
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