Toxoid
Toxoid
Toxoid (/ˈtɒksɔɪd/) is a type of biological preparation that is created from a toxin and used in vaccination to provide immunity against diseases.
Etymology
The term "toxoid" is derived from the Greek words "toxikon" meaning poison and "eidos" meaning form or shape.
Definition
A toxoid is a toxin that has been treated (typically with formalin) to eliminate its toxic properties but retain its immunogenic properties. This allows the toxoid to stimulate an immune response without causing the harmful effects of the toxin.
Usage
Toxoids are used in vaccines to prevent diseases caused by bacteria that produce toxins. Examples of such diseases include tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. The toxoid stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the toxin, providing immunity against future infections.
Related Terms
- Toxin: A poisonous substance produced by living cells or organisms.
- Vaccine: A biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular disease.
- Immunity: The capability of the body to resist harmful microorganisms or viruses from entering it.
- Antibody: A blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Toxoid
- Wikipedia's article - Toxoid
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