Enterotoxins are exotoxins that are associated with diarrhoeal

diseases and food poisoning, Bacteria Producing enterootoxins are

V. Cholerae , Enterotoxigenic E. Coli (ETEC), Some strains of S,
Aureus , A. Parahaemolyticus, Y. enterolitica, aeromonas species
and c.p perfringens.
Toxoid, Toxoid is modified exotoxin. An exotoxin has two main
properties
1. Toxicity and
2. Antigenicity.
In Toxoid, the toxicity of the Toxin is destroyed but its antigenicity
is preserved. As such toxoids e.g dipetheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid
can be safely used for vaccines. Toxins can be converted to toxoid
by different methods e.g. formalin treatment
ENDOTOXINS
Endotoxins are the integral part of the cell walls of Gram-negative
bacteria, and are liberated when bacteria are disintegrated
(LYSED) cell wall of Gram

negative bacteria contain

lipoplyacchaides (LPS, endotoxins) which consist of

(1)

Lioida: This is the endotoxins and is the core and

(2)

Polysaccharide form coat: This is the O antigen which can

induce specific immunity. Pathological and clinical effects
are:

1.

Fever: Chill is due to widespread arteriolar and venular

constriction.

2.

Leucopenia: Occurs early with onset of fever. It may be

followed by leucocytosis.

3.

Hypotension: Occurs early in Gram-nagetive bacteraemia.

4.

Shock: Endotoxins or septic shock may develop in sever

Gram-negative bacteraemia.

5.

Death: may occur due to shock and /or DIC. D Anvria (2008).

Endotoxins
1. Formed only by Gram-negative bacteria
2. lipopplysaccharides, lipid A portion is responsible for toxicity
3. No specific receptor
4. Modertely toxic. Fatal to animals in large doses
5. relatively heat stable. Toxicity is not destroyed above 60 oC for
hours.
6. usually produce fever in the host by release of interleukin-1 and
other mediators.
7. Not converted to toxoid
8. Weakley antigenic. Antibodies are protective.
9. Synthesis directed by chromosomal genes
Exotoxins

1. Excreted by living cells

2. produce by Gram positive and Gram-negative bacteria
3. Polypeptids
4. Usually bind to specific receptors on cells
5. Highly small does
6. relatively heat labile. Toxicity destroyed over 60oC
7. usually do not produce fever in t he host
8. Usually controlled by extra-chromosomal genes, e.g plasmids,
phage gene
9. Highly antigenic stimulate formation of antitoxin. Antitoxin
ncutralizes the toxin.
10. Converted to toxoid by formalin. Toxoid is nontoxic but
antigenic. Toxoids are used to immunize e.g tetanus toxoid
(Hamon M.A, 2005).
Most extoxins can be destroyed by heating theyr may exert their
effect locally of produce systemic effects (Nester, 2007). Extoxins
are susceptible to antibodies produced by the immune system, but
may exotoxins are so toxic that they may be fatal to the host
before the immune system has a chance to mount defenses against
it.
Endotoxins are potentially toxic, netural compounds found inside
pathogens such as bacteria, classically, an endotoxin is a toxin ,
which unlike an exotoxin is not secreted in soluble form by live

bacteria but is a structural component in the bacteria which is

released mainly when bacteria is lysed.
Their usefulness as antigen .
o Exotoxin : very good, long- lasting immunity conferred .`
o Endotoxin : weak , no immunity conferred .
Lethal dose.
Exotoxin : Small
Endotoxin : Large
Conversion to toxiod form.
Exotoxin : yes by chemical treatment
Endotoxin : No
Characteristics

Exotoxins

Endotoxin.

Source

living gram

lysed gram

Positive and

negative

Gram negative

bacteria

Bacteria
Location
Chemical
Composition

Released from

part of

The cell

cell

protein

lipopolysaccarid
e.

Heat

liable

stable

Sensitivity

(60 60c)

(250c)

Immune

strong

weak

possible

not possible

Fever

no

yes

Specificity

specific to

non

Particular

specific

Reactions
Conversion
To toxoids

Bacterial
Strain
Antigenicity

high

poor

Examples

streptococcus

salmonelle
typhi