A newborn receives antibodies from the mother and does not produce them themselves. This is an example of which type of immunity?

A newborn receives antibodies from the mother and does not produce them themselves. This is an example of which type of immunity?

• A. Active immunity acquired after infection
• B. Passive immunity
• C. Naturally acquired active immunity
• D. Artificially acquired immunity

Answer: (B)

Passive immunity is protection provided by antibodies that come from another person rather than the individual's own immune response. In a newborn, antibodies pass from the mother across the placenta during pregnancy (and some from breast milk after birth), giving the baby immediate protection without the baby having to make them. This is naturally acquired passive immunity because it occurs through natural transfer from mother, not through infection or vaccination of the baby. It differs from active immunity, where the person’s own immune system creates antibodies in response to infection or a vaccine, and from artificial immunity, which involves medical treatment. The protection from this type of immunity is temporary, since maternal antibodies fade as the child’s own immune system matures and begins producing antibodies.

Passive immunity is protection provided by antibodies that come from another person rather than the individual's own immune response. In a newborn, antibodies pass from the mother across the placenta during pregnancy (and some from breast milk after birth), giving the baby immediate protection without the baby having to make them. This is naturally acquired passive immunity because it occurs through natural transfer from mother, not through infection or vaccination of the baby. It differs from active immunity, where the person’s own immune system creates antibodies in response to infection or a vaccine, and from artificial immunity, which involves medical treatment. The protection from this type of immunity is temporary, since maternal antibodies fade as the child’s own immune system matures and begins producing antibodies.