exotoxin /exo·tox·in/ (ek´so-tok″sin) a potent toxin formed and excreted by the bacterial cell, and free in the surrounding medium.ex´otoxic
Exotoxin
exotoxin
exotoxin (ek´sōtoksin),
streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin one produced by Streptococcus pyogenes, existing in several antigenic types and causing fever, the rash of scarlet fever, organ damage, increased blood-brain barrier permeability, and alterations in immune response.
ex·o·tox·in ( k s -t k s n)n. A toxin secreted by a microorganism and released into the environment in which it grows. Also called extracellular toxin. |
Exotoxin
A poisonous secretion produced by bacilli which is carried in the bloodstream to other parts of the body.
Mentioned in: Diphtheria
exotoxin
[ek′sətok′sin]
Etymology: Gk, exo + toxikon, poison
a toxin that is secreted or excreted by a living microorganism. Compare endotoxin.
exotoxin (ek´sōtoksin),
n the toxic material formed by microorganisms and subsequently released into their surrounding environments.
exotoxin
a potent toxin formed and secreted by the bacterial cell, and found free in the surrounding medium.
Exotoxins are generally heat labile, and are protein in nature. Many can be detoxified with retention of antigenicity by treatment with formaldehyde (toxoid). Many are important virulence factors in pathogenic bacteria.
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