streptolysin
Noun 1. A bacterial toxin: Streptolysin is any of several exotoxins (hemolysins) produced by certain strains of streptococcus bacteria. Its primary biological action is to destroy red blood cells by lysing (breaking down) their cell membranes.
Streptolysin is a technical term used primarily in microbiology, immunology, and medical contexts. It refers to the specific toxin itself or its activity. * The presence of streptolysin O antibodies in a patient's blood is a key indicator of a recent streptococcal infection. * Researchers studied the mechanism by which streptolysin forms pores in cell membranes.
- Streptolysin O (SLO): An oxygen-labile form of the toxin that is antigenic. The anti-streptolysin O (ASO) titer test measures antibodies against it to diagnose infections like rheumatic fever.
- Streptolysin S (SLS): An oxygen-stable form that is responsible for the hemolytic zone observed around streptococcus colonies grown on blood agar plates in clinical laboratories.
- Hemolysin (noun): A general term for any substance that causes lysis of red blood cells. Streptolysin is a type of hemolysin.
- Exotoxin (noun): A toxin secreted by a microorganism. Streptolysin is classified as an exotoxin.
- Anti-streptolysin O (ASO) (noun): An antibody produced by the body in response to streptolysin O.
- Hemolysin (in the specific context of streptococcal toxins)
- Cytolysin (a more general term for an agent that lyses cells)
The word "streptolysin" has a single, precise meaning in scientific English. It does not have different everyday meanings, idioms, or phrasal verbs. Its usage is confined to describing these specific bacterial proteins and their effects.
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any of several hemolysins derived from strains of streptococcus
