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Antiserum (plural: antisera) is blood serum containing polyclonal antibodies. Antiserum is used to pass on passive immunity to many diseases. Passive antibody transfusion from a previous human Survivor is the only effective treatment for Ebola infection.

The most common use of antiserum in humans is as antitoxin or antivenin, to treat envenomation.

How it works

Antibodies in the antiserum bind the infectious agent or antigen. The immune system then recognizes foreign agents bound to antibodies and triggers a more robust immune response. The use of antiserum is particularly effective against pathogens which are capable of evading the immune system in the unstimulated state but which are not robust enough to evade the stimulated immune system. The existence of antibodies to the agent therefore depends on an initial "lucky survivor" whose immune system by chance discovered a counter agent to the pathogen, or a "host species" which carries the virus but does not suffer from its effects. Further stocks of antiserum can then be produced from the initial donor or from a donor organism that is inoculated with the pathogen and cured by some stock of preexisting antiserum.

Mutations in the pathogen can decrease or eliminate the effectiveness of antiserum.

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What are the Chemicals used to determine human blood groups?

Antiserum A, Antiserum B, and Anti-Rh factor.


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What is the serum used in a precipitin test called human antiserum?

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Will blood cells from a person with type B blood will agglutinate with type A antiserum?

Yes, blood cells from a person with type B blood will agglutinate when mixed with type A antiserum. This is because the type A antiserum contains antibodies that recognize the A antigen present on type A blood cells and can cause them to clump together.


What is the different between polyclonal antibody and antiserum?

polyclonal antobody is the antibody produced for many or non specific antigens but antiserum is the antibody for a specific antigen


What is clumping of red blood cells when they are mixed with antiserum?

Clumping of red blood cells when mixed with antiserum is known as agglutination. This reaction occurs when the red blood cells contain antigens that agglutinate with antibodies present in the antiserum. Agglutination is commonly used in blood typing to determine an individual's blood type.


A serum containing antibodies against particular antigen is called as?

antiserum


What is An antiserum that targets a specific toxin and uses it to provide passive immunity?

antitoxin


What is the major advantage of antiserum?

The major advantage of antiserum is its ability to provide immediate immunity or treatment by containing pre-formed antibodies specific to a particular antigen. This allows for rapid immune response against pathogens or toxins.


Why is antiserum AB pink in colour?

Antiserum AB is pink in color due to the presence of specific antibodies that are bound to a dye or chromogen used in its preparation. This dye often reacts with the antibodies or other components in the serum, resulting in the pink hue. Additionally, the color can be influenced by the concentration of the antibodies and the specific formulation process. The pink color helps in visually identifying the antiserum for laboratory use.


What are the major advantages of antiserum?

Antiserum can provide immediate passive immunity to specific pathogens by delivering preformed antibodies. It can be used in emergency situations to treat venomous bites or infections. It is also effective in preventing certain diseases, such as rabies, in individuals who may have been exposed.


What is treated using antiserum made from horse blood?

Antiserum made from horse blood is primarily used to treat certain types of snake bites, particularly those from venomous snakes like rattlesnakes and cobras. It contains antibodies that can neutralize the toxins in snake venom. Additionally, horse-derived antiserum can be used for other conditions such as botulism and diphtheria. However, its use is less common due to the potential for allergic reactions and the availability of alternative treatments.