Bacterial toxin sets the course for infection

(Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research) Braunschweig have now discovered what makes a specific strain of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis -- one of the main instigators for these infections -- so dangerous: the bacteria produce a molecule called CNFy that facilitates the infection process for them. It changes the host cells in a manner that enables the injection apparatus of Yersinia, which injects toxins into the cells, to work more efficiently. This strengthens the infection and leads to inflammation of the tissue.
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news