What are cholera toxins?
Toxins cholera are a group of proteins responsible for extreme diarrhea associated with cholera. Once vibrio cholerae , bacteria responsible for cholera infected individuals, producing cholera toxins. These toxins are then captured into cells in the small intestine called enterocytes. Once the toxin is inside the small intestine cells, it causes secretion of water, sodium and other substances. This liquid then fills the small intestine and results in severe diarrhea. The term cholera toxins sometimes shorten like CTX, CT or CTX.
All bacteria create toxins that serve bacteria as a form of protection. They kill cells so that bacteria can continue to reproduce and prosper. Cholera toxins are a form of protection for vibrio cholerae .
Cholera toxins consist of six protein subunits. These six subunits come from two different protein units, A and B. A replica and is one subunit, while five replicas B form a second subunit.It means that it helps to start a chemical reaction in cells that create diarrhea. Subedions B are the receptor binding, which means they help toxin attach to the cells.
Cholera and cholera toxins were largely studied. Learning about how bacteria thrives in the body, in the acid stomach environment and continues to evolve, has other consequences. Through learning about cholera scientists, they will better understand how bacteria change over time to withstand developed treatment. On the other hand, this can lead to more effective treatment over time.
Research of cholera toxins also has important consequences in the treatment of cholera specifically. This toxin is responsible for diarrhea, which is the most destructive aspect of bacteria. Treatments that could disrupt the development or process of toxins could have Huge impact on helping to reduce the suffering associated with cholera.
Through research and testing on the subunit B toxin cholera has been foundthat B proteins are not toxic. This was a valuable discovery in molecular biology. Now the cholera toxins are used to find and monitor cells during experiments.
Despite the life threatening diarrhea caused by cholera toxins, if the disease is treated, it is rarely fatal. Individuals suffering from cholera are treated with body rehydration and also by replacing important electrolytes lost from diarrhea and vomiting. Antibiotics are sometimes used as well, but are not always necessary if patients are continuously hydrated.