Definition

Noun: A blood serum that contains a high concentration of antibodies specific to a particular antigen or toxin. When introduced into an individual, it can provide passive immunity against or treatment for a specific disease.

Usage

"Antiserum" is a medical and biological term. It refers to the serum component of blood, which is the clear liquid that separates when blood clots. This serum is collected from a human or animal that has developed antibodies, typically after being exposed to a pathogen (like a virus or bacterium) or through vaccination. The resulting antiserum can then be used to treat or provide temporary protection to another individual.

Examples

• The hospital administered a specific antiserum to neutralize the snake venom.
• Research involves developing an antiserum effective against the new viral strain.
• Before modern antibiotics, antiserum was a crucial treatment for diseases like diphtheria.

Advanced Usage

• Hyperimmune antiserum: An antiserum with an exceptionally high antibody titer, often produced by repeated immunizations of the donor.
  • The patient received hyperimmune antiserum for rabies.
• Monovalent vs. Polyvalent Antiserum: A monovalent (or specific) antiserum targets a single antigen. A polyvalent antiserum contains antibodies against multiple strains or types of an antigen.
  • A polyvalent antiserum is used when the exact snake species is unknown.

Variants and Related Words

• Antisera (n): The plural form of antiserum.
  • Different antisera are stored in the laboratory.
• Serum (n): The clear, fluid portion of blood without clotting factors. Antiserum is a type of serum.
• Antibody (n): A protective protein produced by the immune system in response to an antigen. Antiserum contains these.
• Immunoglobulin (n): Another term for antibody. Antiserum is rich in specific immunoglobulins.

Synonyms

• Immune serum
• Therapeutic serum
• Antitoxin (a type of antiserum that neutralizes a specific toxin)

Notes on Meaning

The core meaning is always centered on serum containing specific antibodies. It is distinct from a vaccine, which stimulates the body to produce its own antibodies. Antiserum provides immediate, but temporary, passive immunity.

Noun

1. blood serum containing antibodies against specific antigens; provides immunity to a disease