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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tox·oid (tksoid)

n.

A substance that has been treated to destroy its toxic properties but that retains the capacity to stimulate production of antitoxins, used in immunization.

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Toxoid

A preparation made from inactivated exotoxin, used in immunization.

Mentioned in: Diphtheria

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toxoid

[tok′soid]

Etymology: Gk, toxikon, poison, eidos, form

a toxin that has been treated with chemicals or heat to decrease its toxic effect but that retains its antigenic power. It is given to produce immunity by stimulating the creation of antibodies. See also toxin, vaccine.

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toxoid

a toxin treated by heat or chemical agent to destroy its deleterious properties without destroying its antigenicity. Most of the clostridial diseases, e.g. tetanus, are controlled by vaccination with toxoids.

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toxoid

Immunology A bacterial toxin or other antigen treated with formaldehyde to ↓ toxicity while preserving antigenicity; toxoids are used to prepare diphtheria and tetanus vaccines. Cf Freund's adjuvant.