SERUM ANTIDIPHTHERICUM Meaning and
Definition
-
Serum antidiphthericum is a term used in medicine to refer to a specific type of serum used for the treatment of diphtheria. Diphtheria is a potentially life-threatening respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Serum antidiphthericum, also known as diphtheria antitoxin, is a medical preparation derived from blood serum that contains antibodies against the diphtheria toxin.
The production of serum antidiphthericum involves injecting horses or other animals with small amounts of diphtheria toxin to stimulate their immune system to produce antibodies against it. Blood samples are collected from these animals, and the serum is separated from the red blood cells. This serum is then purified to remove any contaminants and concentrated to obtain a high concentration of antibodies. The resulting serum contains antibodies specifically targeting the diphtheria toxin.
When administered to patients with diphtheria, serum antidiphthericum provides immediate passive immunity by neutralizing the toxin's harmful effects. It aids in preventing the spread of the toxin within the body, thereby reducing the severity of diphtheria symptoms and hastening the patient's recovery. Administration of the serum is typically accompanied by other medical treatments, such as antibiotics, to clear the infection completely.
Serum antidiphthericum has played a critical role in the treatment of diphtheria, particularly during outbreaks or in severe cases. Its use has been instrumental in reducing mortality rates associated with the disease. Vaccination against diphtheria remains the primary preventive measure; however, serum antidiphthericum fulfills a crucial therapeutic role in combating the infection in affected individuals.
-
Antidiphtheric serum, diphtheria antitoxin, a fluid separated from the coagulated blood of a horse immunized through repeated injections of diphtheria toxin; dose, in severe cases, from 10,000 units; as a prophylactic 1000 units.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SERUM ANTIDIPHTHERICUM
- aerum antidiphthericum
- zerum antidiphthericum
- xerum antidiphthericum
- derum antidiphthericum
- eerum antidiphthericum
- werum antidiphthericum
- swrum antidiphthericum
- ssrum antidiphthericum
- sdrum antidiphthericum
- srrum antidiphthericum
- s4rum antidiphthericum
- s3rum antidiphthericum
- seeum antidiphthericum
- sedum antidiphthericum
- sefum antidiphthericum
- setum antidiphthericum
- se5um antidiphthericum
- se4um antidiphthericum
- serym antidiphthericum
- serhm antidiphthericum
Etymology of SERUM ANTIDIPHTHERICUM
The word "serum antidiphthericum" can be broken down into two parts: "serum" and "antidiphthericum".
1. Serum: The term "serum" is derived from the Latin word "serum", which means "whey" or "animal fluid resembling whey". It is related to the Latin word "severus", meaning "watery", and "sorbeo", meaning "to sip up".
2. Antidiphthericum: The term "antidiphthericum" consists of two components: "anti-" and "diphthericum".
- "Anti-" is a Greek prefix meaning "against" or "opposed to".
- "Diphthericum" refers to diphtheria, which is a contagious bacterial infection.
