Approaches to Passive Immunization Passive immunization is generally used to provide temporary immunity in a person exposed to an infectious disease who has not been actively immunized; this situation can arise when active immunization is unavailable (., for respiratory syncytial virus) or when active immunization simply has not been implemented before exposure (., for rabies). Passive immunization is used in the treatment of certain illnesses associated with toxins (., diphtheria) as well as for some snake and spider bites and as a specific or nonspecific immunosuppressant [Rho(D) immune globulin and antilymphocyte globulin, respectively]. . | Chapter 116. Immunization Principles and Vaccine Use Part 2 Approaches to Passive Immunization Passive immunization is generally used to provide temporary immunity in a person exposed to an infectious disease who has not been actively immunized this situation can arise when active immunization is unavailable . for respiratory syncytial virus or when active immunization simply has not been implemented before exposure . for rabies . Passive immunization is used in the treatment of certain illnesses associated with toxins . diphtheria as well as for some snake and spider bites and as a specific or nonspecific immunosuppressant Rho D immune globulin and antilymphocyte globulin respectively . Three types of preparations can be used in passive immunization 1 standard human immune serum globulin for IM or IV administration 2 special immune serum globulins with a known content of antibody to specific agents . hepatitis B virus or varicella-zoster immune globulin and 3 specific animal antisera and antitoxins. Postexposure Immunization For certain infections active or passive immunization soon after exposure can prevent or attenuate disease expression. Recommended postexposure immunization regimens are shown in Table 116-1. For example giving either measles immune globulin within 6 days of exposure or measles vaccine within the first few days after exposure may prevent symptomatic infection. Nonimmune pregnant women exposed to rubella can minimize clinical illness by postexposure passive immunization however this measure may fail to prevent viremia and infection of the fetus and thus may be followed by the congenital rubella syndrome. Proper immunization for tetanus plays an important role in dirty-wound management. The need for active immunization with or without passive immunization depends on the wound s condition and the patient s immunization history. Tetanus is rare among persons with documented receipt of a primary series of tetanus toxoid doses. Tetanus .
