What Type of Bacteria have Bacterial Eendotoxin?


Bacterial endotoxin is a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) that is part of the membrane of gram-negative organisms. 


LPS activates immunity (by stimulating the production of cytokines and the expression of costimulatory molecules), which is a good thing. However, LPS also plays an important role in a bunch of bad things: septic shock, DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation), and ARDS (adult respiratory distress syndrome) - again through stimulating cytokine release. 


Which, by the way, is another example of The Cytokine Secret (if an attending asks you what causes a certain disease, mumble something about IL-4 and she'll leave you alone).


Conclusion: Gram-negative bacteria have bacterial endotoxin.


Read also: Decontamination of Microbial Media Plates

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