Anatoxine

Anatoxine is a historical or regional term that can refer to an inactivated toxin used as a vaccine antigen, also known as a toxoid. In many contexts, anatoxine is equivalent to what is now called a toxoid: a toxin rendered non-toxic by chemical or heat treatment so that it can provoke an immune response without causing disease. The term is especially found in French and some other European languages; in English, "toxoid" is preferred.

Anatoxines have been pivotal in vaccines against bacterial diseases such as diphtheria and tetanus. The detoxification preserves the antigenic properties of the toxin, enabling the immune system to generate neutralizing antibodies. The vaccines stimulate protective immunity while avoiding the toxigenic effects of the native toxin.

Production and safety: Common methods include formaldehyde treatment to inactivate toxins (diphtheria, tetanus) and purification to remove residual toxicity. Vaccination with anatoxines is part of routine immunization schedules; booster doses are often required to maintain immunity. Adverse reactions are generally rare and mild; severe allergic reactions are uncommon.

Disambiguation: The term anatoxine can be confused with anatoxin, a separate potent neurotoxin produced by certain cyanobacteria; the latter is not used as a vaccine antigen. The distinction between anatoxine (toxoids) and anatoxin (cyanotoxin) is important for safe public health practice.