A 5-year-old fully vaccinated boy sustains a deep, contaminated wound. He completed the DTaP primary series 4 years ago. Which combination correctly provides both immediate and long-lasting tetanus protection?

• A Tetanus toxoid plus tetanus immunoglobulin (active and passive immunity) ✓
• B Tetanus immunoglobulin alone (passive immunity)
• C Tetanus toxoid alone (active immunity)
• D Antibiotics alone are sufficient for tetanus prevention

Explanation

For a contaminated wound in a previously vaccinated child, tetanus toxoid (active immunization) stimulates memory B cells to produce antibodies over days, while tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG) provides immediate passive immunity through preformed antibodies to cover the window before active immunity develops. This combination of passive plus active immunization is the standard approach for wound management.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.