Coagulase is an enzyme produced by certain bacteria that enables the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, leading to blood clot formation. It is a virulence factor that helps these bacteria evade immune responses.
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Coagulase is primarily associated with Staphylococcus aureus.
There are two types of coagulase: bound coagulase (clumping factor) and free coagulase.
Bound coagulase can directly convert fibrinogen to fibrin on the bacterial cell surface, causing cell clumping.
Free coagulase interacts with a plasma protein called coagulase-reacting factor (CRF) to form a complex that then converts fibrinogen to fibrin.
The presence of coagulase is used in laboratory settings to differentiate Staphylococcus aureus from other staphylococcal species.
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Related terms
Virulence Factor: A molecule produced by pathogens that contributes to the pathogenicity and enables them to colonize a host.