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What are Endotoxins?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Endotoxins are compounds found in the cell walls of Gram negative bacteria. These compounds help to form a semi-permeable membrane which is designed to protect bacteria from threats. Once the bacteria die, the endotoxins are released, and many of these toxins cause health problems in people, animals, and other organisms, hence the “toxin” in their name.

These toxins are separate from the exotoxins which are routinely secreted by some bacteria over the course of their lives. Bacteria which make exotoxins can make hosts sick while they are still alive with their toxins, while the toxins in endotoxic bacteria only become a problem after the organism dies. Classically, endotoxins cause inflammatory processes, which can lead to fever, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in white blood cell counts, and high blood pressure.

Laboratory workers may conduct endotoxin tests two or three times to ensure accurate results.
Laboratory workers may conduct endotoxin tests two or three times to ensure accurate results.

When bacteria with endotoxins start to multiply in a host, the host usually responds by sending representatives of the immune system to kill or neutralize the bacteria. Ironically, killing the bacteria is what actually makes them dangerous, although even without an immune response, the endotoxins would be released as the bacteria live out their lives. Often, the body has difficulty tackling the toxins, because they are unfamiliar.

Endotoxins may lead to high blood pressure.
Endotoxins may lead to high blood pressure.

Many endoxotins come in the form of lipopolysaccharides, although other chemical compounds may appear as well. These toxins can become a serious problem in the wake of a bacterial infection, or when bacteria contaminate medications, food, and lab samples, because the toxins tend to resist heat and many other sterilization methods. As a result, when someone consumes a product contaminated with bacteria which contain endotoxins, they can become sick.

Endotoxins in the body can be identified through blood tests.
Endotoxins in the body can be identified through blood tests.

Presence of endotoxins in the body can usually be identified through blood tests which check for traces of infection, and it is also possible to search for specific toxins. Usually, the toxins must be allowed to run their course through the body, with the patient being given supportive therapy to boost the immune system and keep the body as healthy as possible. In situations where endotoxins have contaminated food, medication, and other products, it may necessary to discard the product, although some toxins are susceptible to heating, radiation, and other measures which can be used to break the toxins down so that they will not be dangerous.

Endotoxins can be removed with a person wants to work with bacteria that contains endotoxins.
Endotoxins can be removed with a person wants to work with bacteria that contains endotoxins.

In situations where people want to work with bacteria which contain endotoxins in the lab, an endotoxin removal technique can be used to bind to the toxins and remove them from the culture. This can be especially important in the manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals, drugs which are produced from living organisms such as bacteria.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon51178

Are endotoxins used in genetically modified organisms that make up our food chain dangerous to humans?

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    • Laboratory workers may conduct endotoxin tests two or three times to ensure accurate results.
      By: kasto
      Laboratory workers may conduct endotoxin tests two or three times to ensure accurate results.
    • Endotoxins may lead to high blood pressure.
      By: Monkey Business
      Endotoxins may lead to high blood pressure.
    • Endotoxins in the body can be identified through blood tests.
      By: panupong1982
      Endotoxins in the body can be identified through blood tests.
    • Endotoxins can be removed with a person wants to work with bacteria that contains endotoxins.
      By: diego cervo
      Endotoxins can be removed with a person wants to work with bacteria that contains endotoxins.