Staphylococcal Alpha-hemolysin antibody

Background of Staphylococcal Alpha-hemolysin antibody

Hemolysins are certain proteins and lipids that cause lysis of red blood cells by damaging their cell membrane. Although the lytic activity of some microbial hemolysins on red blood cells may be important for nutrient acquisition or for causing certain conditions such as anemia, many hemolysin-producing pathogens do not cause significant lysis of red blood cells during infection. Although hemolysins are able to lyse red blood cells in vitro, the ability of hemolysins to target other cells, including white blood cells, often accounts for the effects of hemolysins during infection.

Many bacteria produce hemolysins that can be detected in the laboratory. It is now believed that many clinically relevant fungi also produce hemolysins. Hemolysins can be identified by their ability to lyse red blood cells in vitro. Not only are the erythrocytes affected by hemolysins, but there are also some effects among other blood cells, such as leucocytes.

Streptococcus aureus alpha hemolysin causes cell death by binding with the outer membrane, with subsequent oligomerization of the toxin monomer and water-filled channels. These are responsible for osmotic phenomena, cell depolarization and loss of vital molecules leading to its demise.