Q. How are antivenoms produced? Why are antivenoms an example of passive immunization?
Antivenoms are obtained by the following process: the venom (antigen) is inoculated into other mammals, example in horses these animals make specific antibodies against the antigen blood from the animals is purified and collected to get the antibodies; this antibody-containing material is the antivenom. When a human being is infected by the antigen the specific antivenom is given to her / him and the action against the antigen occurs.
Antivenoms may also be administered as a preventive measure and since it is basically made of specific immunoglobulins against some antigen the process is an instance of passive immunization.