The spelling of "serum antidiphthericum purificatum" may seem daunting at first, but a closer look reveals a logical breakdown of its parts. "Serum" is straightforward, pronounced "seer-um". "Antidiphthericum" is a little trickier, but breaks down to "an-ti-dif-the-ri-cum" with stress on the third syllable. Finally, "purificatum" can be parsed as "puh-ri-fi-kah-tum". Altogether, the word is pronounced "seer-um an-ti-dif-the-ri-cum puh-ri-fi-kah-tum". Despite its complexity, careful attention to phonics can make even the most intimidating words manageable.
"Serum antidiphthericum purificatum" refers to a purified form of an antidiphtheric serum. It is a specialized medical substance used for the treatment of individuals infected with diphtheria, a potentially fatal bacterial infection that primarily affects the respiratory tract.
The term "serum" denotes a liquid component of blood obtained by separating it from the cellular elements. "Antidiphthericum" indicates that the substance is specifically designed to counteract the effects of the diphtheria bacteria. It is created by extracting antibodies from the blood of individuals or animals that have been previously exposed to diphtheria and gained immunity.
The term "purificatum" refers to the purification process undergone by the serum to ensure its safety, effectiveness, and elimination of any potentially harmful substances or impurities. This purification involves various techniques such as filtration, centrifugation, and chemical treatment, which remove undesirable contaminants while retaining the beneficial antibodies.
"Serum antidiphthericum purificatum" is administered intravenously or intramuscularly to patients diagnosed with diphtheria. The antibodies present in the serum neutralize the toxins produced by the diphtheria bacteria, thereby preventing further damage to the infected individual's body. The purified serum aids in boosting the immune response, enhancing the body's ability to fight against the infection and assisting in the recovery process.
Overall, "serum antidiphthericum purificatum" is a medically prepared and refined substance derived from blood, specifically targeted at combating diphtheria infection by neutralizing its toxins and stimulating the body's immune system.
Purified antidiphtheric serum, concentrated diphtheria antitoxin, diphtheric antitoxin globulins; a solution in physiological saline solution of the antitoxin-bearing globulins extracted from the antitoxic serum, having a potency of 250 antitoxic units per mil; dose: protective 1000 units; curative 10,000 units.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.