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Definition

noun

A passive immunity that renders short-term immunization by the transfer of antibodies administered by artificial means, such as human or animal blood plasma or pooled human immunoglobulin administered through intravenous or intramuscular route.

Supplement

Passive immunity is typically short lived (compared to active immunity). It may be naturally acquired or artificially acquired (temporarily induced). The latter is done by taking blood from a subject who is already immune, isolating the fraction of the blood which contains antibodies (known as the serum), and injecting this serum into the person for whom immunity is desired.

See also: passive immunity