noun
antitoxin; antivenin; antivenom
Medical term for a substance that neutralizes a specific toxin, often used in the context of snakebites or bacterial infections.
毒蛇に噛まれたら、すぐに抗毒素を投与する必要がある。
If bitten by a venomous snake, it is necessary to administer antivenom immediately.
この抗毒素は破傷風菌に対して効果が
This antitoxin is effective against tetanus bacteria.
ワクチン (vaccine) stimulates the body to produce its own antibodies, whereas 抗毒素 is a pre-formed antibody preparation given for immediate passive immunity.
Compound of 抗 (こう, 'anti-') and 毒素 (どくそ, 'toxin'). The term is a direct calque from Western medical terminology, likely introduced in the late 19th or early 20th century.