Antitoxin titres

In children aged 15-16 years receiving routine reinforcement tetanus immunization, adsorbed vaccine caused more intense and more frequent local reactions than did plain tetanus toxoid, and a higher incidence of pjrexia. The incidence of swelling and erythema at the inoculation site increased with serum antitoxin titre at the time of administration, whereas pain and tenderness were related to the presence of the aluminium hydroxide adjuvant (17). Based on similar experiences it has been widely recommended that plain and not adsorbed tetanus toxoid should be used when reinforcement of immunity to tetanus alone is desired. 

Figure 6.32 e-Antitoxin titres in guinea-pig serum (n = 6) after 1 ml subcutaneous doses of vaccines 5-7 and a 0.2 ml dose of vaccine 8. From Coles et al [238]. 

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