How Do You Spell PYOCYANOLYSIN?

1. Pyocyanolysin is a term derived from the words "pyo," referring to pus, and "cyano," meaning blue, and "lysin," which indicates its function as a lytic enzyme. It is a virulence factor produced by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common opportunistic pathogen that can cause various infections in humans.

   Pyocyanolysin is classified as a hemolysin, an enzyme that promotes the destruction of red blood cells. It is released by Pseudomonas aeruginosa to facilitate tissue invasion and promote the spread of infection. The enzyme functions by forming pores in the membrane of host cells, disrupting their integrity and causing their contents to leak out. This lytic action contributes to the destruction of host tissues, allowing the bacteria to access vital nutrients and evade the immune defenses.

   Furthermore, pyocyanolysin has also been found to have immunomodulatory properties. It can attenuate the host immune response by inhibiting the activation and migration of immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, thereby impairing the body's ability to clear the infection. This characteristic enhances the pathogenicity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and contributes to the chronicity of infections caused by this bacterium.

   In conclusion, pyocyanolysin is a lytic enzyme produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa that plays a crucial role in promoting tissue invasion and immune evasion during infection. Its destructive action on host cells and ability to modulate the immune response make it a significant virulence factor contributing to the pathogenicity of this bacterium.

2. An hemolysin formed by Bacillus pyocyaneus.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PYOCYANOLYSIN

The term "pyocyanolysin" is derived from multiple roots:

1. "Pyo-" comes from the Greek word "pyon" meaning "pus". It is often used as a prefix to indicate something related to or associated with pus.

2. "Cyan-" refers to the color blue, derived from the Greek word "kyanos". It is used as a prefix to signify a blue or bluish color.

3. "-lysin" is a suffix derived from the Greek word "lysis" meaning "breaking down" or "dissolving". It is often used to indicate an enzyme or substance that has the capability to break down or destroy certain components.

Therefore, when combined, the term "pyocyanolysin" refers to a substance or enzyme that is capable of breaking down or dissolving components and is associated with the blue or bluish color of pus.