Clostridium difficile

Toxin A & B inh protein synth & cause loss of intracellular K+

It causes disease by releasing two toxins that damage the mucosal lining of the large intestine
leading to diarrhea (Toxin A) and necrosis (Toxin B) with pseudomembrane formation.
Produce enterotoxin (toxin A) and cytotoxin (toxin B).

Pathogenic strains of C. difficile produce 2 distinct toxins: toxin A (enterotoxin) and toxin B
(cytotoxin). Both play a role in the pathogenesis of C. difficile colitis. The toxins bind specific
receptors on intestinal mucosal cells and are internalized where they exert their intracellular
effects.

Toxin A acts as a neutrophil chemoattractant leading to mucosal inflammation, loss of water
into the gut lumen (producing diarrhea), and mucosal death.
Toxin B causes actin depolymerization, loss of cellular cytoskeleton integrity (USMLEworld),
cell death and mucosal necrosis.