Hilke Willemsen

INTRODUCTIONEndotoxins are toxic compounds from bacterial origin. The most well-known endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are part of the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria (e.g. E. coli). In production animals, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract contains a large group of microorganisms, and therefore it is the most important source of endotoxins. During normal bacterial division and lys ...

The ProblemEndotoxins are potentially toxic compounds from bacterial origin. The most well-known endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are part of the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria. In poultry, the GI tract is a large reservoir of microorganisms, and therefore the most important source of endotoxins. During normal bacterial division and lysis, LPS molecules are released into the lu ...

Endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides or LPS) are part of the cell wall of Gramnegative bacteria. During growth or bacterial lysis, LPS are released and can transfer to blood and tissues. In poultry, the intestinal microflora is the most important source of endotoxins, and the GI tract the main risk site for transfer from the lumen. Several factors (e.g. heat stress, mycotoxins, pathogens, feed transiti ...