Endotoxins

Endotoxins are found in the outer membrane of bacteria. It is recommended as a cell-associated substance responsible for the structure of bacteria. Endotoxins are also known as lipopolysaccharides or LPS. LPS is found on the outer surface of Gram-negative bacteria. LPS is released when bacterial cells die.

Lipopolysaccharide causes multiple inflammations and activates complement via alternative pathways. When Gram-negative bacteria grow, small amounts of endotoxin are produced.

Also Read: Gram-Positive Bacteria

Endotoxin Function

The endotoxins have following functions:

• Gram-negative bacteria have lipopolysaccharides called endotoxins in their cell walls.
• They trigger the host immune response, leading to inflammation and potentially more severe immune reactions.
• Endotoxins can induce fever, hypotension (low blood pressure), and in severe cases, septic shock.
• They are potent activators of the innate immune system, particularly through the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway.
• Stimulate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 (IL-1), contributing to the overall inflammatory response.

Why Endotoxins are Harmful?

• Septic shock is an endotoxin-related illness. 
• This condition is distinguished by low blood pressure and restricted blood flow to vital organs such as the kidneys. 
• Endotoxins can also result in bleeding, shock, sepsis, bloody diarrhea, and fever. 

Endotoxin Examples

Some examples of bacteria releasing endotoxins and disease caused are:

• Salmonella typhi (causes typhoid fever)
• Vibrio cholerae (causes cholera)
• Escherichia coli (certain strains can cause severe food poisoning)
• Neisseria meningitidis (causes meningococcal meningitis)

The major difference between endotoxin and exotoxin lies in how bacteria produce these toxins. Endotoxins are produced by Gram-negative bacteria and exotoxins are produced by bacteria that release toxins into the surroundings. The toxins are toxic substances, including proteins, small molecules, and peptides, which cause disease upon contact with or absorption from body tissues.

The difference between endotoxin and exotoxin lies in their origins and how they affect the body. In this article, we will cover the difference between endotoxin and exotoxin in tabular form.