Passive immunization: the forgotten arm of immunologically based strategies for disease containment

Passive immunization provides temporary protection in a naïve subject who has been exposed to an infectious pathogen when vaccination is unavailable or has not been given before exposure. Despite the recent attention that has been given to adult-directed vaccines, antibody-based therapeutic strategies have received little discussion yet remain an important part of infectious disease containment. This review examines some of the more common clinical situations in which an obstetrician-gynecologist may need to have expertise related to passive immunization. Potential future uses for this modality are presented.