Antitoxin: Definition, Function, and Medical Uses

Antitoxin -

>an antibody produced in response to the introduction of a toxin and capable of counteracting its effect.

Toxins are poisonous substances produced by bacteria or other organisms. Antitoxins are proteins that are produced by the immune system to counteract the effects of toxins. They do this by binding to the toxins and preventing them from interacting with cells.

Antitoxins are used to treat a variété of diseases, including diphtheria, tetanus, and botulism. They can also be used to prevent infection from diseases such as hepatitis B and rabies.

Antitoxins are usually given by injection. However, some antitoxins can be given orally, such as the antitoxin for diphtheria.

The use of antitoxins has saved millions of lives. They are an important component of modern medicine.