Antitoxin

Definition

An antitoxin is a substance, often an antibody, that neutralizes specific toxins produced by bacteria. It is used to treat diseases caused by bacterial exotoxins.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Antitoxins are crucial in treating diseases like tetanus and botulism, which involve potent bacterial toxins.
2. They are usually derived from the blood serum of animals that have been immunized against a particular toxin.
3. Antitoxins work by binding to the toxin molecules, preventing them from interacting with their target cells.
4. Administration of antitoxins can provide immediate passive immunity to patients exposed to certain bacterial toxins.
5. Unlike vaccines, antitoxins do not confer long-term immunity but are critical for immediate treatment.

Related terms

Exotoxin: A toxic protein released by bacteria into their environment.

Passive Immunity:

Short-term immunity provided by the administration of antibodies from another source.

Toxin Neutralization: The process through which antitoxins render bacterial toxins harmless.