Which product is typically used for passive protection against a specific toxin after exposure?

• A. Monoclonal antibody.
• B. Specific human immune serum globulin.
• C. Standard human immune serum globulin.
• D. Animal serum antitoxins.

Answer: (B)

Passive protection after exposure relies on giving preformed antibodies that can immediately neutralize the toxin. The product that best fits this scenario is specific human immune serum globulin because it is a hyperimmune preparation enriched for antibodies against a particular toxin. Derived from humans with prior exposure to that toxin, it provides targeted, immediate neutralization and a lower risk of adverse reactions compared to animal-derived products. This is the classic choice for post-exposure protection against a specific toxin, such as tetanus or diphtheria toxins. In contrast, standard human immune serum globulin is not toxin-specific, so it won’t reliably neutralize the toxin; animal serum antitoxins, while effective, carry higher risks of serum sickness and allergic reactions. Monoclonal antibodies could be used in some modern contexts, but the typical, readily available option for post-exposure toxin protection is specific human immune serum globulin.