Journal of Probiotics & Health
Open Access

Bacterial Toxins

Bacterial toxins are toxins produced by micro-organisms, including bacteria and fungi. These toxins promote infection and disease by directly damaging host tissues and by disabling the immune system. Bacterial toxins are exotoxins and endotoxins. Endotoxins are cell-associated substances that are structural components of bacteria. Most endotoxins are located in the cell envelope. Exotoxins are usually secreted by bacteria and act at a site removed from bacterial growth.