convalescent immunoglobulin

Convalescent immunoglobulin is a type of immune globulin derived from the plasma of individuals who have recovered from an infectious disease. It contains antibodies specifically targeting the pathogen responsible for that disease, providing passive immunity to recipients. This therapy is considered an advanced form of serum therapy and is used primarily for clinical treatment and passive immune protection in high-risk populations. Unlike general intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), which offers broad-spectrum defense, convalescent immunoglobulin has higher specificity and neutralizing ability against the particular virus or pathogen it targets. The mechanism involves transferring antibodies produced by B cells in recovered patients to infected or at-risk individuals, thereby neutralizing pathogens directly and modulating immune responses. It is administered intravenously as a purified injection meeting strict pharmaceutical standards for purity and efficacy. This approach has been applied notably during viral outbreaks such as COVID-19, where convalescent plasma or its purified immunoglobulins are used to treat patients or provide temporary immunity. However, the protection offered by this passive immunity is short-term.

Other names

痊愈者免疫球蛋白