The CDC describes artificial immunity in terms of active versus passive. Passive immunity usually involves a transfusion of antibodies designed to destroy an infectious agent (an infectious agent is a microorganism that invades healthy tissues.) Active immunity is the result of a patient's immune system being exposed directly to a weakened or dead form of the pathogen and reacting by developing immunity to the agent. This active immunity, whether natural or artificial, is long-lasting and often life-long. Specific immunity is a small part (subsystem) of the overall immune system that is made up of highly specialized, cells and processes that remove pathogens or prevent their growth. The specific immune system is one of the two main immunity strategies found in vertebrates (the other being the innate immune system). This creates immunological memory after an initial response to a specific pathogen, and leads to an enhanced response to subsequent encounters with that …show more content…
Passive transfer of immunity with immune globulins or gamma-globulins is used in numerous acute situations of infection from the tetanus.In this case, gamma-globulins of human origin are preferable, although specific antibodies raised in other species are effective and used in some cases (poisoning, diphtheria, tetanus, gas gangrene, botulism). While this form of immunization has the advantage of providing immediate protection, heterologous gamma-globulins are effective for only a short duration and often result in pathological complications (serum sickness) and anaphylaxis. Homologous immunoglobulins also carry the risk of transmitting hepatitis and