Chapter 18, Problem 1SA

How is immune globulin different from hyperimmune globulin?

Summary Introduction

To review:

The difference between immune globulin and hyperimmune globulin.

Introduction:

The antibody, which is also called immunoglobulin, is glycoprotein having Y-shape structure. Immunoglobulin plays a very important role in immunization of an organism. Structure of antibody hastwo heavy along with two light chains in it. Antibodies are used by the immune system of the body to kill the specific pathogens, which enter in the body and helps in providing immunity to an individual. Antibody contains epitope thatacts as antigen binding site and recognizes the specific antigen.

Explanation of Solution

The difference between immune globulin and hyperimmune globulin are given in the table below:

Immune globulin	Hyperimmune globulin
Immune globin is the IgG fraction or solution obtained from the blood plasma of many donors. Immune globulin contains various types of antibodies in it due to the variety of infections and typical medications and vaccination experienced by the donors.	Hyperimmune globulin is prepared or obtained from the serum of individuals having specific and increased amount of antibodies to certain diseases.
Immune globulin is used to cure or treat a variety of infections because it contains various type of antibodies in it.	Hyperimmune globulin is used to treat specific infections and diseases because the antibodies present in hyperimmune globulin are very specific for the specific type of antigen. These are reactive for a particular type of antigens.
For example, hepatitis A and measles can be cure by administrating the immune globulin in the unvaccinated people having a lower number of antibodies.	For example, protection against hepatitis B, rabies and tetanus can be provided by preparing HBIG (hepatitis B immune globulin), RIG (rabies immune globulin) and TIG (tetanus immune globulin).

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that immune globulin contains various types of antibodies and is obtained from the blood plasma of individual and is not specific for an antigen while hyperimmune globulin is very specific in function.