tetanus toxoid

toxoid /tox·oid/ (tok´soid) a modified or inactivated exotoxin that has lost toxicity but retains the ability to combine with, or stimulate the production of, antitoxin.

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diphtheria toxoid  the formaldehyde-inactivated toxin of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, used as an active immunizing agent against diphtheria, usually in mixtures with tetanus toxoid and pertussis vaccine (DTP or DTaP) or with tetanus toxoid alone (DT for pediatric use and Td, which contains less diphtheria toxoid, for adult use).

tetanus toxoid  the formaldehyde-inactivated toxins of Clostridium tetani, used as an active immunizing agent, usually in mixtures with diphtheria toxoid and pertussis vaccine..

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Tetanus toxoid

Tetanus toxoid is a vaccine used to prevent tetanus (also known as lockjaw).

Mentioned in: Clenched Fist Injury

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tetanus toxoid,

an active immunizing agent prepared from detoxified tetanus toxin that produces an antigenic response in the body, conferring permanent immunity to tetanus infection.

indications It is prescribed for primary active immunization against tetanus, generally in combination with diphtheria and pertussis vaccines.

contraindications Immunosuppression or immunoglobulin abnormalities, acute infection, or illness prohibits its use.

adverse effects The most serious adverse effect is hypersensitivity. Pain and inflammation at the site of injection may occur.

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tetanus toxoid (tetˑ·ns täkˑ·soid),

n detoxified tetanus poison used to produce a permanent immune response against tetanus infections. See also tetanus vaccine.

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tetanus

a highly fatal disease of all animal species caused by the neurotoxin of Clostridium tetani. The bacterial spores are deposited in tissue, usually by traumatic injury, retained placenta or endometrial injury and under anaerobic conditions vegetate. Clinical features of the disease are remarkably similar in all species but there are differences in susceptibility to the disease. The muscle spasms cause a stiff gait, rigid posture (sometimes called 'sawhorse stance'), extension or elevation of the tail, protrusion of the third eyelid and trismus (lockjaw). Horses show flaring of the nostrils. In dogs, spasms of facial muscles cause abnormally erect ears and retraction of the lips that resembles the 'risus sardonicus' seen in humans with tetanus. Stimulation precipitates generalized muscle contractions and tetanic spasms or convulsions. The disease can be prevented by immunization with tetanus toxoid or the use of antitoxin, but this is done routinely only in humans and horses.

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tetanus antitoxin

see tetanus antitoxin.

idiopathic tetanus

a loosely defined syndrome of outbreaks of tetanus in young cattle without a wound being found; current practice is to refer to such outbreaks as being caused by the ingestion of pre-formed tetanus toxin.

localized tetanus

tetany occurs predominantly in one limb, closest to the site of entry of the organism, but then usually spreads to the opposite limb and then the whole body. Seen in dogs and particularly cats.

tetanus toxin

see tetanus toxin.

tetanus toxoid

see toxoid.

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tetanus toxoid

 A small peptide fragment that selectively elicits helper immune response but not immune suppression