Microbiological and Pyrogen Test (MPT)

At sufficient levels of concentration and biological activity, exogenous pyrogens that enter a human’s bloodstream can cause fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and fatal endotoxic shock.

Exogenous pyrogens are substances, which originate outside the body and which are capable of inducing interleukins. Endogenous pyrogens are substances, which originate inside the body and which are capable of inducing fever by acting on the hypothalamic thermoregulatory centre.

A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature. It's one part of an overall response from the body's immune system. A fever is usually caused by an infection. For most children and adults, a fever may be uncomfortable. But it usually isn't a cause for concern. For infants, however, even a low fever may mean there's a serious infection.

What is a pyrogen?

Pyrogens are made up of a chemically heterogeneous group of compounds (which originate from bacteria, viruses, fungi or the host itself), that induce a rise in temperature (febrile response) in a human or animal. Pyrogens can be stratified broadly into two categories: exogenous and endogenous pyrogens.

Ex. - Exogenous pyrogens

Exogenous pyrogens are external to the body and are recognized by the toll-like receptors (TLRs) of monocytes, leading to the activation of the signaling pathways and a cytokine release.

En. - Endogenous pyrogens

Endogenous pyrogens are produced by the body when in contact with exogenous pyrogens (e.g. IL-6) and produce a febrile fever response.

Canlit Clinic
(Rev. Canlit Memorial Medical Clinic)
Kitgum Municipality, Uganda
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