2. Endotoxins

Question 1

endotoxins details and fn

Answer 1

lipid A portion of LPS. therefore found in gram -ive bacteria only. heat stable, not antigenic therefore no vaccine. less toxic than exotoxins

Question 2

when is endotoxin released by cell

Answer 2

when person has bacteremia, bacteria in blood. can cause septic shock

Question 3

explain how endotoxin cause septic shock

Answer 3

effect in indirect, lipid A can activate blood clotting factor which in turns activates blood coagulation and complement system leading to organ failure. can bind to toll-like receptor of macrophage. macrophage releases cytokine leads to fever and inflammation