A young girl who had never been immunized to tetanus stepped on a rusty nail and got wounded. Doctor gave the child an injection of tetanus antitoxin. i Why was antitoxin given instead of a booster shot of tetanus toxoid? Explain. (ii) If the girl receives no further treatment and steps on a rusty nail again 3yrs. later, will she be immune ot tetanus?

(i) Why was antitoxin given instead of a booster shot of tetanus toxoid?

Tetanus Antitoxin was given because the girl had never been immunized against tetanus and was at immediate risk due to the wound. Here’s why antitoxin was used:

• Immediate Protection: Tetanus antitoxin provides immediate passive immunity by supplying pre-formed antibodies against the tetanus toxin. This is crucial for neutralizing the toxin if it has already been produced by Clostridium tetani bacteria in the wound.
• Not a Substitute for Immunization: Tetanus antitoxin does not provide long-term immunity. It is a temporary solution to neutralize the toxin until the immune system can mount its response.

Tetanus Toxoid Booster:

• Purpose: A booster shot of tetanus toxoid is used to stimulate the body’s own immune system to produce antibodies and provide long-term active immunity against tetanus.
• Timing: In cases of acute exposure where immediate protection is needed, antitoxin is administered first. Tetanus toxoid vaccination is usually given later to ensure long-term immunity.

(ii) If the girl receives no further treatment and steps on a rusty nail again 3 years later, will she be immune to tetanus?

• No, She Will Not Be Immune: If the girl receives no further treatment, she will not have long-term immunity against tetanus. Tetanus antitoxin provides only temporary protection and does not stimulate the production of long-lasting antibodies. Without a tetanus toxoid vaccination or booster, her immune system will not have developed a memory response to tetanus, leaving her vulnerable to tetanus infection.
• Recommended Actions: It is important for individuals to receive the complete tetanus vaccination series and periodic boosters (usually every 10 years) to maintain long-term immunity against tetanus.