microbial toxins

Microbial toxins are harmful substances produced by microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and some parasites. These toxins can cause illness by damaging tissues, disrupting normal body functions, or triggering immune responses. For example, bacteria like *Clostridium botulinum* produce toxins that can cause paralysis, while *Vibrio cholerae* releases toxins leading to severe diarrhea. These toxins play a key role in the severity of some infections and can sometimes cause illness even if the microbes themselves are no longer present. Understanding microbial toxins helps in developing treatments and preventive measures for infectious diseases.