typhus vaccine

ty·phus vac·cine

a formaldehyde-inactivated suspension of Rickettsia prowazekii grown in embryonated eggs; effective against louse-borne (epidemic) typhus; primary immunization consists of two subcutaneous injections 4 or more weeks apart; booster doses are required every 6-12 months, as long as the possibility of exposure exists. A vaccine containing living rickettsiae of an attenuated strain of R. prowazekii has also been used.

typhus vaccine

any one of three vaccines, each of which is prepared for the different rickettsial organisms that cause epidemic typhus, murine typhus, or Brill-Zinsser disease.

indications Each is prescribed for immunization against a form of typhus.

contraindications Acute infection, debilitating disease, concomitant use of corticosteroids, or hypersensitivity to eggs prohibits its use.

adverse effects Among the most serious adverse effects are anaphylaxis and various allergic reactions. Pain at the site of injection also may occur.

typhus vaccine

An obsolete vaccine prepared from a sterile suspension of formalin-inactivated Rickettsia prowazekii grown in embryonated chicken eggs.

typhus vaccine

A sterile suspension of the killed rickettsial organism of a strain or strains of epidemic typhus rickettsiae.

See also: vaccine