A bacterial toxin is a type of toxin that is generated by bacteria.[1]
Toxinosis is pathogenesis caused by the bacterial toxin alone, not necessarily involving bacterial infection (e.g. when the bacteria have died, but have already produced toxin, which becomes ingested) It can be caused by Staphylococcus aureus toxins.[2]
One primary classification used is to distinguish between exotoxin and endotoxin.
- Exotoxins are generated by the bacteria and actively secreted.
- Endotoxins are part of the bacteria itself. Usually, endotoxin is part of the bacterial outer membrane, and it is not released until the bacteria is killed by the immune system. The body's response to endotoxin can involve severe inflammation. In general, the inflammation process is usually considered beneficial to the infected host, but if the reaction is severe enough, it can lead to sepsis.
Some bacterial toxins can be used in the treatment of tumors.[3]
See also
References
- ^ bacterial toxins at Dorland's Medical Dictionary
- ^ Page 348 in: Fisher, Bruce; Harvey, Richard P.; Champe, Pamela C.. Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Microbiology (Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews Series). Hagerstown, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 0-7817-8215-5.
- ^ "Definition of bacterial toxin - NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms". http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/db_alpha.aspx?CdrID=45610. Retrieved on 2008-12-13.
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