Antitoxin
Antitoxin
Antitoxin (pronounced: an-ti-tox-in) is a type of antibody produced by the immune system to neutralize harmful toxins in the body.
Etymology
The term "antitoxin" is derived from the Greek words "anti-", meaning against, and "toxikon", meaning poison.
Definition
An antibody that can neutralize a specific toxin by binding to it, thus counteracting its harmful effects. Antitoxins are produced by certain animals, plants, and bacteria. Although they are most effective in preventing the effects of toxins, they can also be used to cure diseases caused by toxins if administered properly.
Usage
Antitoxins are used in medicine to treat and prevent diseases caused by toxins. They are often used in the treatment of diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, and botulism. Antitoxins can be produced in the laboratory by stimulating the production of antibodies in animals, then extracting and purifying the antibodies.
Related Terms
- Antibody: A protein produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens.
- Toxin: A poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms.
- Diphtheria: An infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
- Tetanus: A serious bacterial infection that causes painful muscle spasms and can lead to death.
- Botulism: A rare and potentially fatal illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antitoxin
- Wikipedia's article - Antitoxin
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