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Bacterial Endotoxins

Meaning

Bacterial endotoxins are potent lipopolysaccharide (LPS) components found exclusively within the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. These molecules are not actively secreted but are released upon bacterial cell lysis, acting as powerful non-proteinaceous pyrogens and immune activators. Clinically, their presence in the bloodstream, often referred to as endotoxemia, can trigger a severe systemic inflammatory response that may progress to septic shock.