Topic:Antitoxin
Antitoxins in horses are antibodies that neutralize toxins produced by infectious agents. They are integral to the horse's immune response, providing passive immunity against specific toxins. Antitoxins can be naturally produced by the horse's immune system following exposure to a toxin or administered through therapeutic preparations to counteract toxin effects. Commonly used antitoxins in equine medicine include those targeting tetanus and botulism toxins. The administration of antitoxins can be a preventive measure or a treatment strategy during toxin exposure. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the mechanisms, applications, and efficacy of antitoxins in equine health management.
Comparative trial of three heterologous anti-tetanus sera. The three heterologous anti-sera currently provided for tetanus prophylaxis have been compared with reference to the production of untoward reactions in 498 patients, and to the blood antitoxin concentrations produced in 76 patients. Equine serum, although giving rise to more reactions, was the only effective agent in terms of the levels and duration of serum antitoxin concentration produced. The local response to a test dose of any of the three sera is not a reliable guide to immediate or late general reactions.
Monospecific equine antiserum against cholera exo-enterotoxin. An antiserum specific for Vibrio cholerae exo-enterotoxin was produced by immunization of a horse with purified choleragenoid, a natural cholera toxoid. The serum has a high titer against the toxin antigen in passive hemagglutination tests and a respectable antipermeability factor activity. It also passively protected against choleragen-induced mouse foot edema. The serum was found to be useful for assaying toxin antigen in crude and refined products by in vitro tests such as radial immunodiffusion, Lf, and quantitative precipitin titrations. Based upon experimental observations, the serum was...