microbial toxin

Microbial toxins are poisons produced by microorganisms like bacteria, blue-green algae, and fungi. These toxins can be classified as exotoxins or endotoxins. Exotoxins are generally poisonous proteins produced by bacteria, often by gram-positive organisms. They are typically more toxic than endotoxins and have specific effects. Endotoxins are more complex, composed of proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids, and are derived from the bacterial cell wall. While all endotoxins share similar pharmacological properties, they are not neutralized by antibodies in the same way as exotoxins. Some blue-green algae also produce toxins that can be harmful to animals and humans, sometimes causing water blooms that lead to animal deaths. Bacteria can cause disease by secreting toxins, or by releasing toxins when they disintegrate.12