Endotoksit

Endotoksit, also known as endotoxin, refers to a specific type of toxin that is embedded within the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Neisseria species. These lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are released when the bacterial cells disintegrate or die, and can trigger significant immune responses in humans and animals.

The structure of endotoxins primarily consists of Lipid A, a core polysaccharide, and O-antigen side chains. Lipid A is responsible for the toxic effects associated with endotoxins, including fever, inflammation, septic shock, and, in severe cases, multi-organ failure. Because they are part of the bacterial cell wall, endotoxins are not secreted continuously but are released upon bacterial lysis.

Endotoxins play a critical role in the pathogenicity of Gram-negative bacterial infections. Their detection is vital in clinical settings to diagnose infections and in the pharmaceutical industry to ensure the safety of injectable products, as endotoxin contamination can cause adverse reactions.

Methods for detecting endotoxins include the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay, which utilizes the blood of horseshoe crabs that coagulates in the presence of endotoxin. Treatments to eliminate endotoxins from medical products include depyrogenation processes such as high-temperature dry heat or chemical methods.

Due to their potent immunogenic properties, endotoxins are also used in research to stimulate immune responses and study bacterial pathogenesis. Understanding and controlling endotoxin levels are vital for both clinical management of infections and ensuring the safety of biomedical products.