Hyperimmune globulin

Hyperimmune globulins are a class of immunoglobulins for medical use. It is prepared in a similar way as normal human immunoglobulin, except that the donor has high titers of antibody against a specific organism or antigen in their plasma. Some agents against which hyperimmune globulins are available include hepatitis B, rabies, tetanus toxin, varicella-zoster, etc. Administration of hyperimmune globulin provides "passive" immunity to the patient against an agent. This is in contrast to vaccines that provide "active" immunity. However, vaccines take much longer to achieve that purpose while hyperimmune globulin provides instant "passive" short-lived immunity. Hyperimmune globulin may have serious side effects, thus usage is taken very seriously.

Hyperimmune serum

Hyperimmune serum is blood plasma containing high amounts of an antibody. It has been hypothesised that hyperimmune serum may be an effective therapy for persons infected with the Ebola virus.[1]

References
  1. Kudoyarova‐Zubavichene, Natalya M. Kudoyarova-Zubavichene; et al. (1999). "Preparation and Use of Hyperimmune Serum for Prophylaxis and Therapy of Ebola Virus Infections". The Journal of Infectious Diseases. 179: S218–23. doi:10.1086/514294. PMID 9988187. Retrieved 25 September 2014.

See also
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