What is the Difference Between Antiserum and Antibody?

The main difference between antiserum and antibody lies in their sources and compositions. Here are the key differences:

1. Source: Antiserum is a blood serum obtained from an immunized host, while an antibody is an immunoglobulin protein produced by plasma cells in response to foreign antigens.
2. Composition: Antiserum is a mixture containing antibodies (either monoclonal or polyclonal), water, and dissolved solutes. In contrast, an antibody is a Y-shaped protein molecule that identifies and binds to foreign antigens, such as viruses, bacteria, toxins, and fungal spores.
3. Function: Antiserum is used to spread passive immunity to many diseases via blood donation (plasmapheresis) and is often used in diagnostic virology laboratories, as antitoxin or antivenom to treat envenomation. Antibodies play a crucial role in the immune system by identifying foreign pathogens and neutralizing them.
4. Antigen Binding: Antibodies have a unique site called a paratope that recognizes a specific epitope on an antigen, acting like a lock and key binding mechanism. This binding helps to eliminate antigens from the body, either by direct neutralization or by 'tagging' for other arms of the immune system.

In summary, antiserum is antibody-rich blood serum obtained from an immunized host, while an antibody is a Y-shaped protein that detects the presence of foreign antigens and helps the immune system neutralize them.

Comparative Table: Antiserum vs Antibody

Here is a table outlining the differences between antiserum and antibody:

In summary, antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to neutralize and eliminate foreign substances called antigens. Antiserum, on the other hand, is a liquid containing antibodies that can be used to neutralize specific antigens and provide passive immunity.