What type of vaccine is created using new combinations of DNA and contains only antigens of the pathogens?

The correct answer is the subunit vaccine. Subunit vaccines are designed to include only specific pieces of a pathogen, typically proteins or sugars, which are known as antigens. This approach allows the immune system to recognize and respond to the pathogen without having to introduce the entire pathogen, significantly reducing the risk of disease.

These vaccines utilize recombinant DNA technology to produce the necessary antigens. By focusing solely on the components of the pathogen that induce a strong immune response, subunit vaccines provide a targeted and effective means of vaccination. This method is particularly useful because it minimizes the side effects associated with more traditional vaccines that use live or inactivated pathogens.

In contrast, live-attenuated vaccines use a weakened form of the live pathogen, which can sometimes cause mild illness. Inactivated vaccines contain viruses or bacteria that have been killed, while toxoid vaccines are based on inactivated toxins produced by the bacteria. These options do not exclusively rely on specific antigens and can carry higher risks for those with compromised immune systems or certain health conditions.