What is a toxoid?

and toxoid is a bacterial toxin that has been treated so that it is not dangerous, but retains the properties that trigger the production of antibodies when organisms are exposed to toxoid. Toxoids are used in vaccinations that are designed to help people create antibodies to withstand bacterial infections. The boosters of these vaccines must be regularly served to ensure that people retain enough antibodies in their systems to defend themselves when harmful bacteria enter the body.

There are several different ways to create a toxoid. One method involves the use of heat that weakens or suppresses the toxicity of bacterial toxin. Another method uses a chemical for the same effect as formalin. Both are carried out in laboratories that are subject to quality control. During quality confirmation testing, the technicians are checked to make sure that the bacterial toxin has been really weakened so that people become ill when the toxiod is used in vaccination.

Without toxoids, people would have to be vaccinated by a trace number of bacterial toxins. This could be dangerous and errors may be made that could lead to complications, including death to expose bacterial toxins. Toxoids are much safer and easier to use. The dosage may not be so accurate because the small excess side will not result in the disease for the person. Toxoids are also safer for handling and transporting for healthcare professionals. Both diphtheria and tetanus vaccines are made with toxoids.

When a toxoid is introduced into the body, even if it is weakened, the body acknowledges that it is hostile and the body forms antibodies. These antibodies remain behind even after expressing the toxoid, allowing the body to recognize bacteria associated with toxoid if they enter the body. When the antibodies are activated, the body attacks bacteria, eliminates them, and hopefully avoids serious complications of bacterial infection by erasing bacteria before they fully colonize the body.

Booster recommendations vary. In general, people are often encouraged to get a booster when there is a chance that they were exposed to dangerous bacteria. For example, people with injection wounds can strengthen the vaccine against tetanus. It is important to maintain the vaccination records that follow when vaccines have been accepted so that people know when they need boosters to maintain their immunity. For adults, a combined tetanus and diphtheria booster is recommended every decade.