Anatoxin (Noun)
Meaning
A bacterial toxin that has been weakened until it is no longer toxic but is strong enough to induce the formation of antibodies and immunity to the specific disease caused by the toxin; "diphtheria toxoid".
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- The production of anatoxin involves a careful balance between reducing the toxin's potency and maintaining its ability to induce immunity.
- Toxoids, like the anatoxin used in diphtheria vaccinations, have been instrumental in significantly reducing the incidence of certain infectious diseases.
- Anatoxin a, commonly found in contaminated water sources, has been harnessed and converted into anatoxin a toxoid for use in vaccines.
- Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of the new anatoxin in eliciting a strong immune response to disease-causing toxins.
- Anatoxin production for vaccine purposes requires tightly controlled laboratory environments to minimize risk of exposure to full-strength toxins.