Antidiphérique

Antidiphérique refers to an antitoxin used in the treatment of diphtheria. Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae that primarily affects the respiratory system. The bacteria produce a potent toxin that can damage vital organs. Antidiphérique is a serum containing antibodies specifically designed to neutralize this diphtheria toxin. It is administered to patients who have contracted the disease to help combat the effects of the toxin, particularly when administered early in the course of the illness. The antitoxin works by binding to the circulating toxin, preventing it from attaching to cells and causing further damage. It does not kill the bacteria itself, which is why antibiotics are also a crucial part of diphtheria treatment. Antidiphérique is typically derived from the blood of animals, such as horses, that have been immunized with diphtheria toxoid. Before administration, a test for hypersensitivity is usually performed to check for potential allergic reactions to the serum. While effective in reducing the mortality rate of diphtheria, it is not a substitute for diphtheria vaccination, which is the primary method of prevention.