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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Antitoxin and Toxoid?

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The main difference between an antitoxin and a toxoid lies in their purpose and mode of action:

  • Antitoxin:
  • Antitoxin is a passive immunization agent.
  • It is used to treat an existing problem or disease.
  • Antitoxins are antibodies directed against bacterial toxins.
  • They provide temporary protection, lasting about 7 to 14 days.
  • Toxoid:
  • Toxoid is an active immunization agent.
  • It is used to prevent disease and provide long-term protection.
  • Toxoids are inactivated bacterial toxins that stimulate the formation of antitoxins in the body.
  • They are typically administered as vaccines, such as the CD/T vaccine for goats, which combines protection against enterotoxemia and tetanus.

In summary, antitoxins are used to treat existing infections or diseases, while toxoids are used for long-term prevention of diseases by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies.

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  • What is the Difference Between Antitoxin and Toxoid?
  • Comparative Table: Antitoxin vs Toxoid

    • Comparative Table: Antitoxin vs Toxoid

    Here is a table comparing the differences between antitoxin and toxoid:

    Feature Antitoxin Toxoid
    Type of immunization Passive Active
    Purpose Treatment Prevention
    Long-term protection No Yes
    Active ingredient Antibodies directed against bacterial toxins Inactivated bacterial toxins
    Production Produced by the body or derived from another source Inactivated by chemical or physical treatment
    Administration Injected into the body to neutralize toxins in cases of infection Given as a vaccine to stimulate the immune system and produce antibodies
    Examples Antitoxins against tetanus, diphtheria, and botulism Toxoids against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough)

    Antitoxin is a passive immunization agent used for treatment purposes, while toxoid is an active immunization agent used for prevention. Antitoxins are antibodies directed against bacterial toxins, while toxoids are inactivated bacterial toxins that stimulate the formation of antitoxins in the body. Antitoxin does not provide long-term protection against infectious diseases, whereas toxoid does.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.