What is a potential outcome of the action of exotoxins?

Exotoxins are potent proteins secreted by certain bacteria that can cause significant harm to host tissues. One primary way in which exotoxins exert their damaging effects is through the liquefaction of adjacent tissue. This occurs as the exotoxins can disrupt cellular integrity and function, leading to cell death and tissue necrosis. As the tissue breaks down, this liquefaction facilitates the spread of the toxins and the bacteria themselves, worsening the infection and damage to the host.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the known effects of exotoxins. For instance, while some immune responses may be triggered, exotoxins typically cause damage rather than enhancement of the immune response. Similarly, exotoxins do not stimulate bacterial growth; instead, they are produced when bacteria are already established. Lastly, increased oxygen consumption is not a direct consequence of exotoxin action; rather, it pertains to metabolic processes that may be affected by the overall host response to infection rather than the specific lytic or damaging effects of the exotoxins. Thus, the liquefaction of adjacent tissue represents a key and immediate outcome of exotoxin activity, underscoring their pathogenic potential.