Biotoxins

Biotoxins are toxic compounds produced by living organisms, including plants, animals, and microbes. They can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, injection, or dermal contact and may cause severe illness or death at very low doses. Biotoxins differ from synthetic chemicals in their natural origin and, in many cases, their potent biological activity.

Biotoxins are commonly categorized by source or mechanism. Source-based groups include bacterial toxins (such as botulinum and tetanus toxins), plant toxins (like ricin), animal toxins (such as cone snail venom components and tetrodotoxin), and algal toxins (for example saxitoxin and brevetoxins). Mechanistic classes include neurotoxins (disrupt nerve signaling), cytotoxins (damaging or killing cells), enterotoxins (affecting the gastrointestinal tract), and cytolysins (disrupting cell membranes). Many biotoxins are proteins, though small molecules also occur. The most notorious toxins are extremely potent and can act rapidly.

Clinical effects vary with the toxin and exposure route, ranging from paralysis and respiratory failure to gastrointestinal distress or organ damage. Management emphasizes decontamination when appropriate, supportive care, and, where available, specific antitoxins or vaccines. Public health and biodefense frameworks monitor natural and accidental exposures and regulate toxins in foods and products.

Biotoxins also have controlled medical uses in some cases, such as botulinum toxin in approved therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Overall, biotoxins pose significant hazards in natural, clinical, and environmental settings, requiring careful understanding of their sources, actions, and countermeasures.