Pathogens and Toxins

Pathogens are organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites) that cause disease. Toxins are poisonous substances produced by these pathogens that contribute to their ability to cause disease. Toxins act by damaging host cells or interfering with normal physiological processes. Major classes include exotoxins, endotoxins, and mycotoxins. Targeting pathogens and toxins therapeutically involves neutralizing toxins and/or eradicating the underlying infection.

Other names

BacteriaVirusesFungiParasitesExotoxinsEndotoxinsMycotoxinsAflatoxinOchratoxin

Enzymatic modification/inactivation of host molecules, pore formation in cellular membranes leading to lysis, superantigen activity causing massive immune activation