Abstract

BACTERIAL ENDOTOXIN TEST- CONVENTIONAL TO CONTEMPORARY

Priyadarshini K.*, Gayathri V., Sruthi P., Ravi Kumar Yerram and Raja K.

ABSTRACT

The ubiquitous existence of gram negative bacterial species in the environment poses a challenge to the food and medical industries, particularly pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries due to the release of endotoxins which are lethal. It is indispensable to maintain a quality check on the raw materials, as well as finished products before and after their release into the market. The sterile or parenteral forms come under the products of prime importance which are to be screened for the presence of endotoxin as they are administered directly into the blood. These pyrogenic substances trigger various inflammatory reactions interfering with cellular metabolism, thus affecting the homeostatic balance which may prove lethal when left untreated. An early detection is hence required in order to evade the life threatening impact of endotoxin upon entering into the body. This paper discusses the conventional methods used and the current techniques which have been evolved by overcoming the constraints in quantifying bacterial endotoxins, with an emphasis on the need for rapid microbiological methods.

Keywords: Bacterial endotoxins, Pyrogen, Conventional methods, Homeostatic balance.