ATC Group: J06BB Specific immunoglobulins

Anthrax immuneglobulin is a human immune globulin that is used in combination with antibiotics to treat anthrax. Anthrax immunoglobulin binds to protective antigen (PA) to prevent PA mediated cellular entry of anthrax edema factor and lethal factor.

Human anti-D immunoglobulin contains specific antibodies (IgG) against the Rh(D) antigen of human erythrocytes. It can also contain antibodies to other Rh antigens, e.g. anti-Rh C antibodies. The mechanism by which anti-D immunoglobulin suppresses immunisation to Rh(D) positive red cells is not known.

Cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin is used as a CMV-specific polyclonal immunoglobulin preparation that binds to CMV surface antigens thereby neutralizing the potential of CMV from entering host cells and presenting the CMV particle for phagocytosis. Furthermore, cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin can activate CMV-reactive immune cells for long-lasting CMV-specific immune responses.

Human hepatitis B immunoglobulin solution for infusion contains mainly immunoglobulin G (IgG) with a specifically high content of antibodies against hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBs). It is used for the immunoprophylaxis of hepatitis B and the prevention of hepatitis B virus re-infection after liver transplantation for hepatitis B induced liver failure.

Human rabies immunoglobulin contains mainly immunoglobulin G (IgG) with a specifically high content of antibodies against rabies virus. Human Rabies Immunoglobulin must always be used in combination with a rabies vaccine.

Human varicella zoster immunoglobulin contains mainly immunoglobulin G (IgG) with a specifically high content of antibodies against varicella-zoster virus. It is used for prophylaxis against varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection.

Human tetanus immunoglobulin contains mainly immunoglobulin G (IgG) with a specifically high content of antibodies against the toxin produced by the bacteria clostridium tetanus.

Vaccinia immunoglobulin provides passive immunity for individuals with complications to vaccinia virus vaccination. The exact mechanism of action is not known.