Diphtheria Toxin: Safety & Handling (MSDS Information)

The Diphtheria toxin is a polypeptide (chain of amino acids) secreted by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the micro-organism responsible for the disease diphtheria. The toxin is very potent and if mishandled is extremely dangerous. Always read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) before working with the diphtheria toxin and take appropriate precautions.

Function

• According to the Textbook of Bacteriology website, diphtheria has a mortality rate of between 5 to 10 percent and was once very common, although today outbreaks are fairly rare, thanks to immunization. The toxin secreted by the bacteria inhibits protein synthesis in human cells and is responsible for the germ's lethal effect. The bacteria normally colonize in the throat and upper respiratory tract, where they form a film that can occasionally lead to suffocation; typically, however, the toxin they secrete filters into the blood and lymph systems, where it is carried throughout the body and causes damage to the heart and other organs.

Features

• Special precautions should be taken when working with the diphtheria toxin in medical research. According to the List Biological Laboratories MSDS, the minimum lethal dose of diphtheria toxin if injected through the skin is less than 100 nanograms per kilogram of body weight in an adult. The toxin is inactive in an acidic environment, so ingestion (swallowing) has no effect according to the MSDS. Nonetheless, ingestion should be avoided.

Considerations

• It is especially important to wear protective gear. Never work with the dried toxin and always work in a well-ventilated area in order to avoid inhalation. If inhalation or accidental injection occurs, seek immediate medical attention.