Cholera Toxin-BSA Antigen

Cholera toxin is a potent AB5-multimeric enterotoxin secreted by the Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio cholerae. In the context of animal-derived food safety, it primarily compromises the aquatic food sector. Vibrio cholerae naturally thrives in marine and estuarine environments, readily attaching to the chitinous shells of crustaceans, bivalves, and other aquatic food animals. When these animal products (such as raw or undercooked oysters, clams, crabs, and fish) are harvested from contaminated waters and ingested, the toxin binds to intestinal epithelial cells. It permanently activates adenylate cyclase, triggering massive hypersecretion of water and electrolytes, which leads to severe, life-threatening watery diarrhea (cholera) and rapid dehydration in human consumers.