University Of Zakho

Faculty Of Science

Department Of Biology

Homework

Prepared by: Hoshmand Hersh Sabr

2023 – 2024
 1. Explore and describe the essential virulence factors produced by Vibrio
cholera. How do these characteristics influence the bacterium's capacity
to colonize the body's intestine and generate cholera symptoms?
Answer: These factors play a critical role in the pathogenesis of cholera.
A. Toxin-Coregulated Pilus (TCP): TCP facilitates bacterial attachment to
the intestinal epithelium, promoting survival and toxin production.
B. Cholera Toxin (CT): CT disrupts intestinal cell function, leading to
massive fluid secretion and severe diarrhea.
C. ToxR Regulatory System: ToxR controls the expression of TCP and CT,
turning them on under favorable conditions.
D. CTXΦ Bacteriophage: CTXΦ carries the CT-encoding genes, enabling
CT production and cholera development.
E. HlyA Hemolysin: HlyA lyses red blood cells, aiding bacterial spread and
weakening host defenses.
F. RTX Toxins: RTX toxins damage the intestinal mucosa, enhancing
bacterial invasion and colonization.
G. VSP-I and VSP-II: VSP-I and VSP-II promote bacterial attachment and
biofilm formation, increasing survival and toxin production.

The interplay of these virulence factors empowers Vibrio cholerae to establish

itself in the small intestine, evade host defenses, and produce the severe diarrhea
that defines cholera. Their coordinated action underscores the bacterium's
remarkable ability to cause human disease.

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