Immune globulin (also called immunoglobulin or gamma globulin)
is a protein in human blood and tissue fluids. These proteins are similar to
antibodies, which help the body's immune system recognize and destroy foreign
substances, such as bacteria and viruses.
Immune globulin (IG) may
be given to help prevent an illness after exposure to an infected person. It
can also be given to people with certain immune system deficiencies to prevent
infections. Immune globulin is usually taken from the blood of people
recovering from the illness. For example, the immune globulin given to help
prevent hepatitis A infection is taken from the blood of people who are
recovering from hepatitis A virus infection.
The protection
provided by an immune globulin injection lasts from days to months, depending
on the disease.
