A toxoid would best be described as an example of which type of vaccine?

• A. Live attenuated vaccine
• B. Inactivated vaccine
• C. Subunit vaccine
• D. Toxoid vaccine

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of a toxoid: A toxoid is a chemically modified toxin from a pathogen, which is no longer toxic but still immunogenic, meaning it can stimulate an immune response.
2. Identify the purpose of a toxoid vaccine: Toxoid vaccines are designed to elicit an immune response against the toxin produced by certain bacteria, rather than the bacteria itself.
3. Differentiate between the types of vaccines: Live attenuated vaccines use a weakened form of the germ, inactivated vaccines use a killed version of the germ, and subunit vaccines use pieces of the germ (like protein).
4. Recognize that toxoid vaccines are specifically used to protect against diseases caused by bacterial toxins, such as tetanus and diphtheria.
5. Conclude that a toxoid is best described as a type of vaccine that uses a modified toxin to stimulate an immune response, fitting the category of a toxoid vaccine.