Cryptococcus neoformans: Difference between revisions
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| Family = [[Tremellaceae]] | | Family = [[Tremellaceae]] | ||
| Genus = [[Cryptococcus]] | | Genus = [[Cryptococcus]] | ||
| Species = | | Species = '''''Cryptotoccus neoformans''''' | ||
===Description=== | ===Description=== | ||
''C. diphtheriae'' infections are the causal agent of diphtheria. Four subspecies are recognized: ''C. d. mitis'', ''C. d. intermedius'', ''C. d. gravis'', and ''C. d. belfanti''. ''C. diphtheria'' is known to produce diphtheria toxins. ''C. diphtheria'' are Gram-positive, rod-shaped (and highly pleomorphic), aerobic, and nonmotile. | ''C. diphtheriae'' infections are the causal agent of diphtheria. Four subspecies are recognized: ''C. d. mitis'', ''C. d. intermedius'', ''C. d. gravis'', and ''C. d. belfanti''. ''C. diphtheria'' is known to produce diphtheria toxins. ''C. diphtheria'' are Gram-positive, rod-shaped (and highly pleomorphic), aerobic, and nonmotile. |
Revision as of 20:59, 22 July 2015
Etiology/Bacteriology
Taxonomy
| Domain = Eukaryota | Kingdom = Fungi | Phylum = Basidiomycota | Class = Tremellomycetes | Order = Tremellales | Family = Tremellaceae | Genus = Cryptococcus | Species = Cryptotoccus neoformans
Description
C. diphtheriae infections are the causal agent of diphtheria. Four subspecies are recognized: C. d. mitis, C. d. intermedius, C. d. gravis, and C. d. belfanti. C. diphtheria is known to produce diphtheria toxins. C. diphtheria are Gram-positive, rod-shaped (and highly pleomorphic), aerobic, and nonmotile.
Pathogenesis
Virulence factors
Diphtheria toxin
Diphtheria toxin is an exotoxin that prevents protein synthesis through inactivation of eEF2 (eukaryotic elongation factor 2). This is done by ADP-ribosylating the amino acid diphthamide, inhibiting RNA translation.
Mechanism
Adherence
Invasion of the cell
Encountering macrophages
Clinical features
Symptoms typically begin 2 to 7 days after infection. Diphtheria is characterized by sore throat, slight fever, fatigue, and an adherent membrane (called a pseudomembrane) on the tonsils, pharynx, and/or nasal cavity. Diphtheria toxin produced by C. diphtheriae can cause myocarditis, polyneuritis, and other systemic toxic effects. A milder form of diphtheria can be restricted to the skin.