exotoxiny

Exotoxins are protein toxins secreted by living bacteria. They are released into the surrounding environment during bacterial growth and multiplication. Unlike endotoxins, which are part of the bacterial cell wall, exotoxins are actively produced and actively released. They are typically potent and can cause severe damage to host cells and tissues even at very low concentrations.

Exotoxins are often heat-labile, meaning they can be inactivated by heat. They are usually encoded by genes located on plasmids or bacteriophages, which can be transferred between bacteria, contributing to the spread of virulence. The effects of exotoxins are diverse and depend on the specific type of toxin. Some examples include neurotoxins, which affect the nervous system, enterotoxins, which target the intestinal tract, and cytotoxins, which are toxic to cells.

The body's immune system can produce antibodies called antitoxins that neutralize exotoxins. This principle is used in the development of antitoxin therapies for certain bacterial infections. Vaccination can also be used to stimulate the production of antitoxins, providing immunity against the effects of exotoxins produced by specific bacteria. Examples of bacteria that produce exotoxins include Clostridium tetani (tetanus toxin), Clostridium botulinum (botulinum toxin), and Staphylococcus aureus (toxic shock syndrome toxin).