Dictionary > Streptolysin S

Streptolysin S

Definition
noun
A nonantigenic, oxygenstable β-hemolytic enzyme produced by some bacteria, especially streptococci
Supplement
Streptolysin is a type of hemolysin produced by or derived from some strains of streptococci. It is a hemolytic exotoxin.
A streptolysin may be streptolysin O or streptolysin S. In 1930s, E. W. Todd was able to identify these two toxins responsible for the ability of group A streptococcus to lyse the erythrocytes of mammals. 1 Streptolysin O is oxygen-labile whereas streptolysin S is oxygen-stable.2 This means that streptolysin S is stable in the presence of atmospheric oxygen. In blood agar, the streptolysin S forms a zone of β hemolysis around the colonies of streptococci grown under routine aerobic conditions. This compound is toxic to leucocytes, platelets and many cell lines.
Compared with streptolysin O that is antigenic, the streptolysin S is not because of its relatively small size.
Abbreviation/Acronym:

  • SLS

Compare:

  • streptolysin O
  • See also:

    Reference(s):

    1 Wessels, M. R. (2005). Streptolysin S. The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 192 (1): 13–15. https://doi.org/10.1086/430625

    2Sierig, G., Cywes, C., Wessels, M. R., & Ashbaugh, C. D. (2003). “Cytotoxic effects of streptolysin o and streptolysin s enhance the virulence of poorly encapsulated group a streptococci”. Infect. Immun. 71 (1): 446–55


    You will also like...

    Cell structure
    Cell Structure

    A typical eukaryotic cell is comprised of cytoplasm with different organelles, such as nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, G..

    Endemic Flora of New Zealand
    New Zealand’s Unique Flora

    If New Zealand has lots of unique animals, it's also got a whole lot of unique plants. Find out more about some of them,..

    Disturbance on a still water
    Abiotic Factors – Water Conditions

    A still body of water may be disturbed by a variety of factors. One of them is wind. In fact, it is considered as the pr..

    A chart depicting Mendel's Law of Dominance
    Mendel’s Law & Mendelian Genetics

    One of Mendel’s law of inheritance is the “law of dominance”. Read this tutorial to know more about this form of i..

    Chemical composition of the body
    Chemical Composition of the Body

    The body is comprised of different elements with hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen as the major four. This tutorial..

    Protein (illustration)
    Protein Variety

    The sequence of amino acids determines the type of protein. Protein is synthesized according to the sequence of nucleoti..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics