Hyaluronidase, an enzyme secreted by certain bacteria, allows the bacteria to: 1. protect ...

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Another enzyme, coagulase, is secreted by S. aureus and protects it from phagocytes.
Rationale 2: Certain bacteria secrete hyaluronidase, which digests the matrix between human cells and allows the bacteria to penetrate anatomic barriers more easily.
Rationale 3: Hyaluronidase does not affect cell multiplication.
Rationale 4: Hyaluronidase is not involved in the production of exotoxins.
Global Rationale: Some streptococci, staphylococci, and clostridia secrete hyaluronidase, an enzyme that digests the matrix between human cells, allowing the bacteria to penetrate anatomic barriers more easily. Staphylococcus aureus secretes the enzyme coagulase, causing fibrin to be deposited on its cells, thereby protecting it from phagocytes.