Bacteria release substances called toxins that can make us feel ill. These toxins are proteins or molecules that harm host tissues, interfere with cell functions, and trigger immune responses. There are two main types of bacterial toxins: exotoxins, which are secreted by bacteria and cause specific damage like paralysis or cell destruction, and endotoxins, which are components of the bacterial outer membrane released mainly when bacteria die and cause inflammation and fever. These toxins disrupt normal bodily functions and activate immune reactions that lead to symptoms like fever, fatigue, diarrhea, and more severe illness depending on the toxin type and infection site.
