Considered as a mechanism of bacterial pathogenicity (something capable of increasing the microorganism's ability to produce disease), the secretio...

Considered as a mechanism of bacterial pathogenicity (something capable of increasing the microorganism's ability to produce disease), the secretion of the COLLAGENASE enzyme can cause:


alteration of bacterial surface molecules and consequently, escape from the immune system.
encapsulation of bacteria and escape from the immune system.
breakdown of antibodies (immunoglobulins) and consequently, greater infectivity.
breakdown of collagen in tissues and consequently deeper infection.
breakdown of collagen protein molecules and consequently formation of clots, escaping the immune system.