Immunoglobulins for prophylaxis or treatment of infectious diseases

Administration of antibodies as a passive immunization is indicated for the replacement of deficiencies, prophylaxis or amelioration of infectious diseases for susceptible individuals and those at high risk for complications of infections. Antibodies can be administered either as human or animal plasma or serum, as pooled human immunoglobulin (IG) for intravenous or intramuscular use, as high-titer human IG from immunized or convalescing donors, or as monoclonal antibodies. Immunoglobulins are widely used for prevention of hepatitis A and measles and specific immunoglobulins are used for prevention of hepatitis B, tetanus, rabies, and varicella in susceptible people. A humanized murine monoclonal antibodies against respiratory syncytial virus have been licensed. This paper reviews the current use and recommendation of antibody products for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.