Biology of Pathogenicity (Theoretical Review)
Published: 2013-07-28
Page: 805-813
Issue: 2013 - Volume 3 [Issue 4]
Yurii V. Ezepchuk *
The Gamaleya Institute for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russia and The University of Colorado, Denver, USA.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Phenomenon of pathogenicity is the polyfunctional biological potency of germs that are realized by factors (determinants) of pathogenicity [1].
Bacterial pathogenicity is an ability of bacteria to induce and develop infectious diseases in multi-cellular organisms (human, animals and plants).
Virulence is a degree of pathogenicity measured by the in vivo (LD50) and in vitro (ID50) tests (highly virulent, weakly virulent and non-virulent strains).
Pathogenic factors (determinants) are the bio-molecules produced by pathogen and are responsible for interaction with the host tissue cells.
“Pathogenicity Islands” are the bacterial genome mobile elements that carry genes encoding the pathogenicity factors production.
Keywords: Pathogenicity, virulence, “pathogenicity islands”, adhesions, invasions, toxins, receptors