Endotoxins are an integral component of the outer membrane of the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria, such as E.coli, Salmonella and Pseudomonas. These are introduced into the environment upon cell death, and also in small amounts as part of normal cell physiological activity.
Endotoxins are exogenous pyrogens and tend to induce a rise in body temperature when introduced into the blood or cerebrospinal fluid. While common effects are fever and nausea, in more extreme cases it can manifest as septic shock. It is therefore critical to test for bacterial endotoxins in your raw materials and finished products, to ensure patient safety.