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...
![Ploidy](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Mutation-Frequency-and-Polyploidy-214x168.jpg)
Polyploidy
Humans are diploid creatures. This means that for every chromosome in the body, there is another one to match it. Howeve..
![A sperm cell fertilizing an ovum](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Human-Reproduction-and-Fertilization-273x168.jpg)
Human Reproduction and Fertilization
For human species to obviate extinction, reproductive mature adults should be producing viable offspring in order to con..
![Independent Assortment and Crossing Over](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Independent-Assortment-and-Crossing-Over-238x168.jpg)
Independent Assortment and Crossing Over
This tutorial describes the independent assortment of chromosomes and crossing over as important events in meiosis. Read..
![Hominid](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/The-Hominids-300x168.jpg)
The Hominids
The hominid family diversified from the apes around 6 to 8 million years ago. Since then, the evolutionary path has prov..
![squirrel](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Animal-Water-Regulation-300x168.jpg)
Animal Water Regulation
Animals adapt to their environment in aspects of anatomy, physiology, and behavior. This tutorial will help you understa..
![Still Water Animals](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Still-Water-Animals-252x168.jpg)
Still Water Animals
Animals living in aquatic habitats have diversified and evolved through time. They eventually occupy ecological niches a..