human immune serum globulin
Quick Summary
Immune serum globulin (ISG) is derived from the plasma of healthy donors and contains a mix of immunoglobulins, primarily IgG, with smaller amounts of IgM and IgA. It is administered to provide passive immunity against diseases such as measles and hepatitis A, and to treat hypogammaglobulinemia. Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) offer immediate antibody levels and are an alternative to painful intramuscular injections.1
Hyperimmune serum globulin is prepared from individuals with high levels of specific antibodies. For example, Rh-immune globulin is given to Rh-negative pregnant women to prevent hemolytic disease in newborns. Other hyperimmune serum globulins are used to prevent hepatitis B, tetanus, rabies, and varicella-zoster (chickenpox or shingles) in exposed individuals. Human immune serum globulin (HISG) is a safe product for intramuscular injection used to prevent hepatitis A, measles, chickenpox, rubella, and polio.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
