Alpha toxin

Alpha toxin is a toxin produced by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. It is a protein that can damage and kill cells by creating holes in their membranes, leading to cell death. This toxin helps the bacteria invade tissues and evade the immune system, contributing to infections like skin abscesses, food poisoning, and more serious conditions. While it plays a role in bacterial survival and pathogenicity, alpha toxin can also cause tissue damage and inflammation in the host. Understanding this toxin is important for developing treatments and preventive measures against bacterial infections.