Endotoxins and medical devices: the significance of dead bacteria.
There has been some recent speculation that endotoxins, the toxic molecules that are present in the cell wall of certain bacteria, could play a role in the development of tissue reactions to medical devices. This article discusses the basis for this speculation.
Williams
David
D
Department of Clinical Engineering, University of Liverpool. dfw.ce@liverpool.ac.uk
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D004869:Equipment Safety / Q000379:methods; D004864:Equipment and Supplies / Q000382:microbiology*; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006801:Humans; D008033:Limulus Test; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011749:Pyrogens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004731:Endotoxins; D011749:Pyrogens