Question

The treatment of snake-bite by antivenin is an example of
A.Artificially acquired active immunity
B.Artificially acquired passive immunity
C.Naturally acquired passive immunity
D.Specific natural immunity

Answer 1

Snake-bite consists of venomous or poisonous chemicals that react with immune cells and may lead to death. Antivenins are antibodies used as a treatment of snake-bites. These antibodies induce short-term protection from snake poison.

Complete answer: The antivenins are antibodies made artificially that are specific to the certain snake poison. They are produced by inducing small amounts of snake venom inside the animal body. The animal’s immune system induces the production of certain antibodies in response to the venom. These antibodies are then collected and purified. Later these are used as a cure for various kinds of specific poisons. Antivenins are recommended only in cases of severe poison.
Usually, snake-bites are treated with antivenins. These are usually administered intravenously to the affected person. Once inside the body they attach to the poison molecules and leave them inactive. The rest of the poison molecules are destroyed by the body’s own immune system. This is an artificially acquired passive immunity type. It is artificially acquired as the antibodies are injected from outside of the body. Passive immunity refers to short term protection. It does not retain its effect for a long time. The next time, the person will require another antivenom injection to combat snake-bite.
Artificially acquired active immunity can be related to vaccination. Vaccines provide long term protection for specific diseases. These do not require multiple administrations and are stronger in action than artificially acquired passive immunity. Naturally acquired passive immunity is best represented by breast milk and placental immunity.
Therefore, we can conclude that the right answer is option B) Artificially acquired passive immunity.

Note: Antivenins have certain serious side effects and thus should be used only where required urgently. The antivenins are acquired from animal serum and thus may contain serum proteins. These serum proteins can act as an immunogen. These immunogens may lead to hypersensitivity.