How Do You Spell VEROTOXIN I?

1. Verotoxin I, also known as Shiga toxin 1 (Stx1), is a potent bacterial toxin produced by certain strains of bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli) that belong to the serotype O157:H7. It is a member of the family of AB_5 toxins, named after its molecular structure, consisting of one enzymatically active A subunit and five B subunits.

   Verotoxin I is classified as a cytotoxin and is responsible for the severe symptoms associated with E. coli infections, particularly the hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). The toxin is primarily found in the gastrointestinal tract of infected individuals and is often released following bacterial infection.

   Upon ingestion of contaminated food or water, the toxin targets and binds to specific receptors on the surface of cells in the intestinal lining. The B subunits facilitate the attachment to the cells, allowing the A subunit to enter the cell. Once inside, the A subunit acts as an enzyme, modifying and inactivating a ribosomal subunit essential for protein synthesis. This disruption leads to cell death and the release of dangerous inflammatory factors.

   The effects of Verotoxin I can range from mild gastrointestinal symptoms to severe illness, including bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potentially life-threatening complications such as kidney failure. The toxin's potency is due to its ability to enter and disrupt normal cellular functions.

Common Misspellings for VEROTOXIN I

The term "Verotoxin I" comes from the combination of the words "vero" and "toxin". "Vero" refers to the Latin word for "truth" or "genuine". "Toxin" refers to a harmful substance produced by living organisms.

Verotoxin I is a type of toxin produced by certain strains of bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. It was first identified in the 1970s during an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness associated with E. coli infection. The name "verotoxin" was given to this toxin because it was initially discovered to be toxic to Vero cells, a type of monkey kidney cells used in laboratory research.

Since its discovery, additional variants of this toxin have been identified, such as Verotoxin II or Shiga toxin.