Definition
noun
A passive immunity acquired by means of injection of serum containing antibodies to an individual who may have been infected with a particular pathogen.
Supplement
Passive immunity is typically short lived (compared to active immunity). It may be naturally acquired or artificially acquired.
Since this type of artificial immunity is only temporary, it requires the repeated administration of serum containing the antibodies. This type of immunity is not commonly practiced because of the risk that could lead to kidney failure from such repeated administration of complex proteins.
Compare: natural passive immunity
See also: passive immunity
Dictionary > Artificial passive immunity
You will also like...
![Photosynthesis and respiration](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Plant-Metabolism-284x168.jpg)
Plant Metabolism
Plants are responsible for incredible feats of molecular transformation. Plant processes, such as photosynthesis, photop..
![Thermographic image of face and neck](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Regulation-of-Organic-Metabolism-Growth-and-Energy-Balance-224x168.jpg)
Regulation of Organic Metabolism, Growth and Energy Balance
The human body is capable of regulating growth and energy balance through various feedback mechanisms. Get to know the e..
![Peppered moth ("Biston betularia") melanic and light form](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Theory-of-Natural-Selection-252x168.jpg)
Examples of Natural Selection
Darwin's Finches are an example of natural selection in action. They are an excellent example of the way species' gene p..
![Neurology of Illusions](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Neurology-of-Illusions-226x168.jpg)
Neurology of Illusions
Illusions are the perceptions and sensory data obtained from situations in which human error prevents us from seeing the..
![temperature - abiotic factor](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Abiotic-and-Biotic-Factors-224x168.jpg)
Abiotic and Biotic Factors
This tutorial deals with the abiotic factors of the freshwater environment that determine what sort of life would be sui..
![Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Unique-Geographical-History-of-New-Zealand-300x168.jpg)
New Zealand’s Unique Geographical History
Explore why New Zealand has such unique flora and fauna, and learn why long periods of geographical isolation. This less..