Question

Name the GM bacterium whose product is used as a clot buster. Name the product. Specify its use in medical science.

Answer 1

Hint: The bacterium whose product is used as a cluster buster belongs to the group of spheroidal bacteria of the family Streptococcaceae. It has a characteristic grouping in chains that resembles a string of beads.

Complete answer:
-Streptokinase is the product produced by Streptococcus species that is used as a clot buster.
-Streptokinase is used for removing clots from blood vessels of patients who have undergone myocardial infarctions like a heart attack.
-It is used immediately after symptoms of a heart attack occur to improve a patient's survival.
-Plasmin is produced in the blood to break down fibrin, the major constituent of blood clots.
-It then dissolves clots once they have stopped bleeding. Extra production of plasmin by the administration of streptokinase breaks down unwanted blood clots in the blood vessels of the heart and lungs.

Additional Information: -Streptokinase was discovered from beta-hemolytic streptococci in 1933.
-Streptokinase is usually recommended intravenously in the body of the patient.
-Side effects of streptokinase include nausea, bleeding, low blood pressure, and allergic reactions.
-Streptokinase belongs to a class of drugs known as fibrinolytic.
-The second use of streptokinase is not recommended in a person's lifetime as it causes allergies due to antibody formation in the first use.

Note: -As streptokinase is a bacterial product by a foreign agent, the body builds up an immunity (antibodies) against it.
-It is usually recommended not to take this medication again after four days from the first administration as it will not work and cause allergic reactions.