Selection of a tetanus toxoid for hyperimmunization of human volunteers

Five tetanus toxoids of different manufacture and of different concentrations were used to determine the most effective formulation and strength of toxoid for the production in human volunteers of sustained high levels of tetanus antitoxin suitable for the production of human tetanus immune globulin. The most satisfactory results were obtained with a fluid, low-protein, column-purified tetanus toxoid. 79% of volunteers injected with a 36 Lf dose of this material achieved antitoxin levels of greater than or equal to 10 antitoxin units/ml. The mean duration of these levels was 125 days.