Exotoxins of Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus produces a variety of exotoxins, which are important virulence factors for S. aureus-related diseases. Representatively, staphylococcal enterotoxins induce staphylococcal food-born poisoning; toxic shock syndrome toxin-1, which is a typical superantigen, induces toxic shock syndrome; hemolysins induce cell damages of erythrocyte and leukocyte; and exfoliative toxin induces staphylococcal skin scalded syndrome. Recently, a cytotoxin, Panton-Valentine leukocidin which is produced by community-associated MRSA is noticeable. This chapter addresses novel information in activities and stability of the exotoxins produced by S. aureus.