Tetanus antitoxin

Immunosera, which were once very widely used in the prophylaxis and treatment of many infections, are little used today, as vaccines have made some immunosera unnecessary and lack of proven therapeutic benefit has caused others to be relegated to immunological history. Tetanus antitoxin is an exception in that it is a very effective prophylactic that is still used in countries where there are inadequate supplies of tetanus immunoglobulin. Human immunoglobulins have important but limited uses. 

Tetanus antitoxin Neutralization of the paralytic effect of tetanus toxin in mice 1000 lU ml for prophylaxis 3000 lU ml for treatment... 

Antibodies Derived from Horse Antisera Botulism antitoxin, diphtheria antitoxin, scorpion venom antisera, snake venom antisera, spider anti-venins, and tetanus antitoxin. 

Tetanus antitoxin Horse Specificity against toxin of Clostridium tetani... 

Tetanus antitoxin is routinely administered as part of the management of tetanus-prone wounds. The antibody preparation is purified from pooled serum/plasma of human donors who have been immunized with tetanus toxin. 

Stoner RD, Drew RT, Bernstein DM. 1981. Benzene-inhalation effects upon tetanus antitoxin responses and leukemogenesis in mice. In Mahlum DD, Gray RH, Felix WD, eds. Coal conversion and the environment. Oak Ridge, TN U.S. Department of Energy, Technical Information Center, 445-461. 

Czirner J, Besznyak G. Myokardinfarkt-ahnhches BUd als seltene Komphkation nach Apphkation von Tetanus-Antitoxin. [Myocardial infarct-hke clinical picture as a rare comphcation following the application of tetanus antitoxin.] Z Gesamte Inn Med 1969 24(4) 119-21. 

Mares undergoing treatment for retained placenta should have been vaccinated against tetanus within the past year. Mares that have been vaccinated adequately against tetanus but not at the time of foaling should be given tetanus toxoid to ensure sufficient protection. The routine administration of tetanus antitoxin to mares at foaling has been associated with the development of fatal hepatic necrosis (Theiler s disease). 

Immune complex Serum sickness from tetanus antitoxin Could be serious... 

Stone, S. H., and Glaubiger, A., Agar diffusion studies of antigens in pepsin-digested horse tetanus antitoxin. J. Lab. Clin. Med. 47, 793-801 (1956). 

Erythromycin (500 mg orally every 6 hours for 10 days) may be given to eradicate Clostridium tetani in patients with tetanus who are allergic to penicillin. However, the mainstays of therapy are debridement, physiological support, tetanus antitoxin, and drug control of convulsions. 

B. Tetanus immune globulin (passive immunization) is indicated for persons with tetanus. Antitoxin is aiso indicated as prophyiaxis for wounds that are neither clean nor minor in persons who have unknown or incompiete histories of the primary three-dose series of tetanus toxoid. 

B. Antitoxin. The equine tetanus antitoxin is contraindicated in persons who have had previous hypersensitivity or semm sickness reactions to other equine-derived products. Preferabiy, use the human tetanus immune globulin product in all cases, if it is available. 

B. Exaggerated local (Arthus-like) reactions. These unusual reactions may present as extensive painflil swelling from the shoulder to the elbow. They generally occur in individuals with preexisting very high semm tetanus antitoxin levels. 

Although the total B-cell population has been low due to the lymphopenia the 7oPBM s recognised as B cells remains normal, as have serum and secretory immunoglobulins. Immunoelectrophoresis has shown no monoclonal band. Sero-conversion to respiratory syncytial virus has been noted (litre 1/10,1/40,1/10 at 6,12, and 16 months respectively. The patient was immunised with diptheria and tetanus toxoid plus inactivated polio vaccine at 4,6 and 12 months. No polio antibodies were detected but following tetanus immunisation 1-2 units/ml tetanus antitoxin were produced. There has been no response to intradermal Candida antigen at 6,12, and 15 months of age. 

Although not all of the first developments in immunization were successful (some in fact did more harm than good), by 1914 effective and safe vaccines were available for smallpox (vaccinia), rabies, anthrax, and whooping cough (pertussis toxoid), as well as passive protection against tetanus and diphtheria. The latter two developments, particularly the use of tetanus antitoxin, no doubt saved countless hves during World War I. 

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