In: Biology
Endotoxins are basically cell-associated bacterial toxins. Generally, endotoxins are LPS (Lipopolysaccharide-protein) complexes which are an integral part of the cell wall of the Gram-Negative Bacteria. Endoxins are released at the time of cell death or bacterial lysis because of the immune system or some other reason. On entering the blood, endotoxins act as pyrogens with some other fatal conditions such as aseptic shock or death sometimes.
Mycotoxins, as the name indicates, are fungal toxins ('Myco': 'Fungus'), i.e. produced by fungi. Various types of mycotoxins are reported in the literature such as aflatoxins, citrinin, ergot alkaloids and ochratoxins. Aflatoxin is produced by Aspergillus fungi. Citrin and ochratoxins are isolated from Penicillium and Aspergillus fungus species. Ergot alkaloids are produced by Claviceps group of fungi.
It has to be noted that bacterial toxins i.e. endotoxins are species specific whereas mycotoxins are not as same mycotoxin can be produced by different fungal species.