Are toxins virulence factors?

Answer:

Answer

No. For something to be virulent it must be alive. Virulence usually refers to pathogens, like bacteria, viruses, and yeasts.

But, pathogens, themselves, can create toxins by their metabolic activity. Still, however, the toxin itself wouldn't have the property of being virulent, only the "bug" would be.

First answer by Natural Val. Last edit by Natural Val. Contributor trust: 2470 [recommend contributor recommended]. Question popularity: 34 [recommend question].