BET

  Nature of Pyrogens Pyrogen (fever-inducing agent), principally known as bacterial endotoxin, is one of the most potent bacterial toxins.  Its only source is Gram (-) bacteria (GNB), where endotoxin comprises about 75% of  the GNB cell wall.   Bacterial contamination (bioburden) in water and on surfaces normally contains GNB, so endotoxin is ubiquitous in…

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),…