Final answer:
The statement that disease virulence factors enable pathogens to digest tissues and facilitate invasion is true. Enzymes like collagenase and hyaluronidase break down connective tissues, aiding pathogens in spreading through host tissues and contributing to pathogenicity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks to determine if a statement is true or false: Disease virulence factors, such as collagenase, mucinase, keratinase, hyaluronidase, coagulase, streptokinase, are enzymes that digest epithelial and deeper tissues, permitting the invasion of pathogens. This statement is True. Virulence factors like collagenase and hyaluronidase break down connective tissue components, aiding in the dissemination of pathogens into host tissue. For instance, the collagenase produced by Clostridium perfringens enables the bacterium to penetrate through tissue layers and potentially cause diseases like gas gangrene. Other virulence factors, such as coagulase and kinases, play roles in either helping pathogens to evade the immune system by forming clots or by breaking them down to facilitate spread. Additionally, certain pathogens may produce enzymes like keratinase, which targets structural proteins in epithelial cells, helping opportunistic pathogens such as Candida albicans to invade and cause infection.