What type of immunity is provided by injections of gamma globulin?

The type of immunity provided by injections of gamma globulin is classified as artificially-acquired passive immunity. Gamma globulin is a preparation that contains antibodies derived from the blood of donors and is administered to an individual to provide immediate, short-term protection against specific infectious agents.

In this context, "artificially-acquired" refers to the fact that the antibodies are introduced into the body through medical intervention rather than being produced by the individual in response to an infection. "Passive" immunity indicates that the individual receives ready-made antibodies rather than generating their own in response to an antigen. This contrasts with active immunity, where the immune system responds to a pathogen by generating its own antibodies, which typically takes time and results in longer-lasting immunity.

This type of immunity is beneficial in situations such as post-exposure prophylaxis for diseases like hepatitis or tetanus, where immediate protection is necessary while the body's own immune response is being developed. Injections of gamma globulin provide this quick response, making it a valuable component of medical treatments in certain scenarios.