Coagulase

Staphylococcus aureus, 50,000x, USDA, ARS, EMU

Coagulase+

Coagulase is an enzyme produced by certain types of bacteria, most notably strains of Staphylococcus aureus. This enzyme is known to catalyze the conversion of fibrinogen in blood plasma into fibrin, leading to blood clot formation. The presence of coagulase is an important factor in the virulence of some bacterial strains, as it can help the bacteria to evade the host's immune system by cloaking themselves in a protective fibrin shield.

Function

Coagulase operates by triggering the blood clotting mechanism, which is a complex process involving multiple steps and components, such as fibrinogen, a soluble protein found in blood plasma, and fibrin, an insoluble protein that forms a mesh-like structure constituting the bulk of a blood clot. By converting fibrinogen into fibrin, coagulase effectively contributes to the formation of a physical barrier that can protect bacteria from phagocytosis and other immune responses.

Types of Coagulase

There are two main types of coagulase: bound coagulase (also known as clumping factor) and free coagulase. Bound coagulase is attached to the bacterial cell wall and can directly cause the agglutination (clumping) of fibrinogen in the blood. Free coagulase, on the other hand, is secreted by the bacteria into their surroundings and requires a coagulase-reacting factor (CRF) present in plasma to initiate clot formation.

Clinical Significance

The detection of coagulase is a key test in the laboratory diagnosis of bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The coagulase test, which involves observing the coagulation of rabbit plasma in the presence of the bacteria, is a standard method to distinguish between coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcal species, which are generally less virulent.

Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus is associated with a variety of infections, ranging from minor skin infections to more serious conditions such as septicemia, endocarditis, and pneumonia. The enzyme's role in disease processes makes it a target for research into new therapeutic approaches for bacterial infections.

See Also

• Staphylococcus aureus
• Fibrinogen
• Immune system
• Phagocytosis

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