Antitoxine

Antitoxin is a substance that counteracts or neutralizes a toxin. In immunology, antitoxins are antibodies produced by the body in response to the presence of a specific toxin, such as those produced by bacteria or venom from certain animals. These antibodies bind to the toxin molecules, rendering them harmless and preventing them from causing damage to the body's cells and tissues.

The concept of antitoxin therapy, also known as antivenom or antivenin when referring to snake venom, involves administering pre-formed antibodies to an individual who has been exposed to a toxin. This can be a life-saving treatment, particularly in cases of severe envenomation or bacterial infections that produce potent toxins. For example, antitoxins are used to treat diphtheria, tetanus, and botulism, as well as bites from venomous snakes, spiders, and scorpions.

These therapeutic antitoxins are typically produced in animals, such as horses or sheep, which are immunized with small doses of the specific toxin. The animal's immune system then produces antibodies against the toxin, which are subsequently collected, purified, and formulated into an injectable serum. While highly effective, these preparations can sometimes cause allergic reactions in humans due to their foreign protein nature. Research continues to develop more refined and safer antitoxin therapies.