In: Biology
Explain the characteristics of, and differences between, the two types of bacterial toxins (Endotoxins and Exotoxins). Include details of their properties, modes of action on the host, and provide an example of each type of toxin.
Endotoxins | Exotoxins |
They are lipoolysaccharides | They are proteins |
They are produced by gram negative bacteria | They are produced by gram positive bacteria |
They are attached to the bacterial cell wall | These are released to external medium |
They can resist heat , so they are heat stable. | They are destroyed in the presence of heat. |
They are non specific action | They are specific in action |
There are no vaccines for endotoxins | Vaccines are available . |
They are less toxic compared to exotoxins | They are highly toxic |
examples of endotoxins - Toxins produced by E.coli, Salmonella , Shigella , Vibrio cholera.
Examples of exotoxins - Toxins produced by Staphylococcus, Bacillus , Streptococcus pyogenes
Endo toxins can cause fever and inflammation on the host body , if more amount of toxins present leads to death of that individuals . These are normally moderately toxic .
exotoxins are very harmful , it can cause cells destruction and effect the normal cellular metabolism . They are highly lethal to the host. certain exotoxins can inhibit protein synthesis and leads to the death of cells .