A vaccine type that is given to prevent serious bacterial diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. The infection is caused by a toxin or a pathogenic protein that is secreted by specific bacteria.
 

The vaccine is made by inactivating the bacterial toxin (poison), making it harmless, but keeping its ability to stimulate the production of antitoxin (which are specific antibodies that can fight live or active toxins in the body and prevent disease).

As with organisms or viruses used in inactivated vaccines, this can be done using a chemical such as formaldehyde, or by using heat or other methods.

 

Categories:

Infectious Disease Prevention Vaccines

Cross-reference:

AntibodyInactivated vaccineVaccinesVaccine typesBacteria (singular: bacterium)