Serum sickness in the context of "Diphtheria antitoxin"

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⭐ Core Definition: Serum sickness

Serum sickness in humans is a reaction to proteins in antiserum derived from a non-human animal source, occurring an average of 8 days after exposure. Symptoms often include a rash, joint pain, fever, and lymphadenopathy. It is a type of hypersensitivity, specifically immune complex hypersensitivity (type III). The term serum sickness–like reaction (SSLR) is occasionally used to refer to similar illnesses that arise from the introduction of certain non-protein substances, such as penicillin.

Serum sickness may be diagnosed based on the symptoms, and using a blood test and a urine test. It may be prevented by not using an antitoxin derived from animal serum, and through prophylactic antihistamines or corticosteroids. It usually resolves naturally, but may be treated with corticosteroids, antihistamines, analgesics, and (in severe cases) prednisone. It was first characterized in 1906.

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👉 Serum sickness in the context of Diphtheria antitoxin

Diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) is a medication made up of antibodies used in the treatment of diphtheria. It is no longer recommended for prevention of diphtheria. It is administered through injection into a vein or muscle.

Side effects are common. They include serum sickness and allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Diphtheria antitoxin is made from the blood plasma of horses that have been immunized against diphtheria toxin. It works by neutralizing the toxins produced by Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

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Serum sickness in the context of Antitoxin

An antitoxin is an antibody with the ability to neutralize a specific toxin. Antitoxins are produced by certain animals, plants, and bacteria in response to toxin exposure. Although they are most effective in neutralizing toxins, they can also kill bacteria and other microorganisms. Antitoxins are made within organisms, and can be injected into other organisms, including humans, to treat an infectious disease. This procedure involves injecting an animal with a safe amount of a particular toxin. The animal's body then makes the antitoxin needed to neutralize the toxin. Later, blood is withdrawn from the animal. When the antitoxin is obtained from the blood, it is purified and injected into a human or other animal, inducing temporary passive immunity. To prevent serum sickness, it is often best to use an antitoxin obtained from the same species (e.g. use human antitoxin to treat humans).

Most antitoxin preparations are prepared from donors with high titers of antibody against the toxin, making them hyperimmune globulins.

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LINKED FROM (PARENTS)
← Antitoxin ← Diphtheria antitoxin
LINKS TO (CHILDREN)
Adverse drug reaction → Antiserum → Animal → Rash → Arthralgia → Fever → Lymphadenopathy → Hypersensitivity → Immune complex hypersensitivity → Type III hypersensitivity → Serum sickness–like reaction → Penicillin → Blood test → Clinical urine tests → Antihistamine → Corticosteroid → Analgesic → Prednisone →