Anti sera, also written as antisera, is a term used in immunology to describe a serum that contains antibodies used to combat a specific antigen. The word "anti" is from the Greek prefix "anti-" meaning "opposed to" or "against" while "sera" is the plural form of "serum" which is blood plasma without clotting factors. The pronunciation of anti sera is ['ænti ˈsɪərə], with the stress on the second syllable of each word. The correct spelling is crucial in scientific research to ensure accurate communication and understanding among scientists.
Anti sera, also spelled antiserum, is a specific type of blood serum obtained from an animal or human that has been previously exposed to a disease or toxin and therefore has developed immunity against it. The immunity is acquired either through previous infection or through the administration of a vaccine. The anti sera contains a high concentration of antibodies that are capable of neutralizing or destroying the specific antigens associated with the disease or toxin.
The preparation of anti sera involves injecting the animal or human with the disease-causing agent or a harmless component of it. The immune system of the individual then produces antibodies in response to the foreign substance. Blood is later collected from the individual, and the serum, which contains the antibodies, is separated from the red blood cells.
Anti sera play a crucial role in the field of medicine, particularly in the treatment of infectious diseases. They are used in serotherapy, a technique where the antibodies present in the anti sera are transferred to another individual, providing immediate immunity and defense against the specific disease. Anti sera can be administered either through injection or by intravenous infusion.
Due to their specificity, anti sera are also used in diagnostic purposes, helping to identify the specific antigens present in the blood of patients to confirm the presence of a particular disease. Various types of anti sera are available for different diseases or toxins, enabling healthcare professionals to target the required treatment accurately and effectively.
The word "antisera" is derived from the combination of two elements: "anti-" and "sera".
1. "Anti-": In English, "anti-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "anti", meaning "against" or "opposite". It is used to indicate opposition, resistance, or a counteracting force.
2. "Sera": The word "sera" is the plural form of the word "serum". "Serum" originates from the Latin word "sērum", which refers to the watery portion of blood or other bodily fluids that separate when the clotting factors are removed. The word "serum" came into English usage in the early 17th century, primarily in the field of medicine.