Which mechanism involves adhesins to attach to enterocyte surfaces?

Which mechanism involves adhesins to attach to enterocyte surfaces?

• A. Enteroadherence
• B. Enterotoxin production
• C. Mucosal invasion
• D. Submucosal invasion

Answer: (A)

Adhesins are specific surface proteins on bacteria that recognize and bind to receptors on intestinal epithelial cells (enterocytes). This tight binding lets the bacteria remain attached to the lining rather than being washed away, which is the essential first step for colonization and subsequent pathogenic actions. When the mechanism specifically involves using these adhesins to attach to enterocyte surfaces, it’s described as enteroadherence. By contrast, enterotoxin production causes disease primarily through toxin effects, mucosal invasion refers to crossing the epithelial barrier into the mucosa, and submucosal invasion goes deeper beyond the mucosa. So, the mechanism that involves adhesins to attach to enterocytes is enteroadherence.

Adhesins are specific surface proteins on bacteria that recognize and bind to receptors on intestinal epithelial cells (enterocytes). This tight binding lets the bacteria remain attached to the lining rather than being washed away, which is the essential first step for colonization and subsequent pathogenic actions. When the mechanism specifically involves using these adhesins to attach to enterocyte surfaces, it’s described as enteroadherence. By contrast, enterotoxin production causes disease primarily through toxin effects, mucosal invasion refers to crossing the epithelial barrier into the mucosa, and submucosal invasion goes deeper beyond the mucosa. So, the mechanism that involves adhesins to attach to enterocytes is enteroadherence.