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Passive immunisation, an old idea revisited: Basic principles and application to modern animal production systems
Chris J Hedegaard1, Peter M H Heegaard1
1National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Section for Immunology and Vaccinology, The innate immunology Group, Denmark.
Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology
|May 18, 2016
Summary
Passive immunisation using antibodies offers immediate, short-term protection against infections and toxins in production animals. This method is a viable alternative to antibiotics for controlling diseases, especially when vaccination is challenging.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Immunology
- Animal Health
Background:
- Passive immunisation with antibodies (immunoglobulins) provides rapid, temporary protection against pathogens and toxins.
- Unlike active immunisation (vaccination), it does not establish immunological memory.
- It is particularly relevant for multi-factorial infectious diseases in production animals that are difficult to control with vaccines alone.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of passive immunisation for infectious disease control in modern animal production.
- To emphasize the advantages of passive immunisation, including cost-effectiveness and ease of use.
- To compare passive immunisation with existing control measures like vaccination, antibiotics, and feed additives.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on passive immunisation strategies in pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and fish.
- Analysis of immunoglobulin sources, composition, purity, and benefits.
- Comparative assessment against vaccination, antibiotics, and spray-dried plasma.
Main Results:
- Passive immunisation is a valuable tool for immediate, short-lived protection against infections and toxins.
- Its application in production animals is facilitated by cost-effective and user-friendly immunoglobulin products.
- It offers benefits over current measures, including a low risk of antimicrobial resistance development.
Conclusions:
- Passive immunisation is a significant strategy for controlling infectious diseases in modern animal production.
- Efficient and affordable immunoglobulin products enable its widespread use.
- It presents a practical alternative to antibiotics, with minimal risk of resistance.
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