Passive immunization

immunization /im·mu·ni·za·tion/ (im″u-nĭ-za´shun) the process of rendering a subject immune, or of becoming immune.

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active immunization  stimulation with a specific antigen to induce an immune response.

passive immunization  the conferral of specific immune reactivity on previously nonimmune individuals by administration of sensitized lymphoid cells or serum from immune individuals.

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Passive immunization

Treatment that provides immunity through the transfer of antibodies obtained from an immune individual.

Mentioned in: Rabies

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immunization

the process of rendering a subject immune, or of becoming immune. See also vaccination.

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active immunization

stimulation with a specific antigen to promote an immune response. In the context of infectious diseases, the antigenic substances may include: (1) inactivated bacteria, as in botulism immunization; (2) inactivated viruses, as in the canine parvovirus vaccination; (3) live attenuated viruses, e.g. rabies virus, and (4) toxoids, chemically treated toxins produced by bacteria, as in immunization against tetanus and pasteurellosis. Any of a vast number of foreign substances may induce an active immune response.

Since active immunization induces the body to produce its own antibodies and specifically reactive cells and to go on producing them, protection against disease will last several years, in some cases for life.

antihormone immunization

immunization against hormones, e.g. against androstenedione for the stimulation of ovulation in ewes, is now a commercial reality and promises to be a significant management tool in intensive animal production. See also immunological contraception.

deliberate immunization

the administration of an immunogen, usually by injection but sometimes orally or by inhalation, for the purpose of producing immunity.

natural immunization

stimulation of the immune system through exposure to antigens that have not been deliberately administered.

passive immunization

transient immunization produced by the introduction into the system of pre-formed antibody or specifically reactive lymphoid cells. The animal immunized is protected only as long as these antibodies or cells remain in the blood and are active—usually from 4 to 6 weeks. The immunity may be natural, as in the transfer of maternal antibody to offspring, or artificial, passive immunity following inoculation of antibodies or immune cells.

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passive

neither spontaneous on the part of the patient, nor active response by the patient, the stimulus having been applied externally.

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passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) test

see passive cutaneous anaphylaxis.

passive diffusion

passage of electrolytes to all parts of a solution, including through a permeable membrane. Plays some part in intestinal absorption.

passive hemagglutination test

see hemagglutination test.

passive immunization

see passive immunization.

passive neonatal immunity

see passive immunity.

passive transfer

see passive diffusion (above).

passive venous congestion

noninflammatory distention of vessels with blood. Caused by simple accumulation resulting from obstruction or failure of the heart to eject the full volume of blood returned to it.