antitetanus immunoglobulin

Last reviewed 01/2018

Tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG) gives passive immunity to tetanus infection.

• helps to remove unbound tetanus toxins (1)
• is indicated to provide immediate protection in  
• individuals with tetanus  prone wounds who are not fully vaccinated (or up to date for their age) against tetanus.
• vaccinated individuals who  have a ‘high-risk’ tetanus prone wound e.g. a wound which is also heavily  contaminated with manure/soil or an abscess in an injection site (2)

Since most of the tetanus prone wounds in vaccinated individuals do not require immunoglobulin, TIG should be restricted to patients in whom it is truly indicated so that   supplies can be conserved for those at greatest risk (2).

Reference:

• (1) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. The Pink Book 2011. Chapter 20: Tetanus
• (2) Health Protection Agency (HPA) 2011. Human Tetanus immunoglobulin Q & A