SHIGA TOXINS Meaning and
Definition
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Shiga toxins, also known as Shiga-like toxins (SLTs), are a group of potent protein toxins produced by certain strains of bacteria, known as Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). These toxins are named after Kiyoshi Shiga, the Japanese microbiologist who first discovered them in 1898.
Shiga toxins are responsible for causing severe gastrointestinal illness in humans. They are primarily associated with outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, particularly from contaminated food or water sources. The two most common types are Shiga toxin 1 (Stx1) and Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2), with Stx2 generally being more virulent and associated with more severe symptoms.
These toxins work by inhibiting the protein synthesis in host cells, leading to cell damage and death. They specifically target endothelial cells, which line the blood vessels, and can damage the kidneys, central nervous system, and other organs. The resulting illness, known as Shiga toxin-associated disease, can range from mild diarrhea to severe conditions such as hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can be life-threatening.
Diagnosis of Shiga toxin-associated disease involves laboratory tests to detect the presence of the toxins in a patient's stool or blood sample. Treatment typically involves supportive care, including fluid replacement and management of complications. Antibiotics are generally not recommended as they can increase the release of the toxins.
Preventing Shiga toxin-associated diseases involves proper food safety practices, such as thorough cooking of meat products, avoiding cross-contamination, and maintaining good hygiene and sanitation practices.
Common Misspellings for SHIGA TOXINS
- ahiga toxins
- zhiga toxins
- xhiga toxins
- dhiga toxins
- ehiga toxins
- whiga toxins
- sgiga toxins
- sbiga toxins
- sniga toxins
- sjiga toxins
- suiga toxins
- syiga toxins
- shuga toxins
- shjga toxins
- shkga toxins
- shoga toxins
- sh9ga toxins
- sh8ga toxins
- shifa toxins
- shiva toxins
Etymology of SHIGA TOXINS
The word "Shiga toxins" is derived from the name of the Japanese scientist Dr. Kiyoshi Shiga who first discovered these toxins in 1898. Dr. Shiga was a bacteriologist and during his research on dysentery, he isolated and identified the bacteria responsible for the disease, which is a strain of Escherichia coli (E. coli) now known as Shigella dysenteriae. He also found that this bacterium produces a potent toxin, which was later named "Shiga toxin" in honor of his discovery. These toxins were initially associated with dysentery, but further research revealed their presence in other types of bacteria and their association with various diseases, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and certain types of food poisoning. Therefore, "Shiga toxins" became the widely accepted term for the toxins produced by these bacteria.
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