1. Bacterial toxins that destroy white blood cells (leukocytes) by creating pores in their cell membranes.
Usage: plural form; technical/medical term; also called bi-component leukotoxins

Examples

• Staphylococcus aureus produces leucocidins that help it evade the immune system.
• The leucocidins secreted by certain bacteria can damage neutrophils and macrophages.
• Researchers studied how leucocidins function as virulence factors in bacterial infections.
• The presence of leucocidins in pathogenic strains increases their ability to cause severe disease.
• Leucocidins work by forming channels in the membranes of white blood cells.