What are toxins called that are produced by pathogens before entering the body?

The correct term for toxins produced by pathogens before they enter the body is pre-formed toxins. These are toxic substances that are secreted by bacteria or other pathogens into the environment or host prior to infection, meaning that the toxins can have effects even before the organism itself has established an infection in the host. This can lead to immediate and sometimes severe reactions upon exposure, as these toxins are already present and active.

In contrast, endotoxins are components of the bacterial cell wall, specifically part of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, and are released only when the bacteria die and the cell wall breaks down. Exotoxins are also toxins produced and released by pathogens but are typically secreted during the active infection process rather than being formed beforehand. Aflatoxins are a specific type of toxin produced by certain molds and are not directly related to pathogen activity in the same sense as bacterial toxins.