Passive immunity is characterized by which statement?

Passive immunity is characterized by which statement?

• A. The body does not produce antibodies, but receives them from another source.
• B. The body produces its own antibodies.
• C. It requires vaccination to occur.
• D. It always results in long-lasting protection.

Answer: (A)

Passive immunity is protection provided by antibodies that come from outside the body rather than being made by the person’s own immune system. In this case, the body does not produce its own antibodies; instead, antibodies are transferred from another source or given as a prepared product. This offers immediate protection but is usually temporary because the added antibodies are eventually broken down and no memory cells are formed. Vaccination, by contrast, aims to trigger the body to produce its own antibodies and memory for longer-lasting protection. Because passive immunity doesn’t create memory, its effects fade over time. Examples include maternal antibodies passed to the fetus or through breast milk, and immune globulin preparations given after exposure to certain infections or toxins.

Passive immunity is protection provided by antibodies that come from outside the body rather than being made by the person’s own immune system. In this case, the body does not produce its own antibodies; instead, antibodies are transferred from another source or given as a prepared product. This offers immediate protection but is usually temporary because the added antibodies are eventually broken down and no memory cells are formed. Vaccination, by contrast, aims to trigger the body to produce its own antibodies and memory for longer-lasting protection. Because passive immunity doesn’t create memory, its effects fade over time. Examples include maternal antibodies passed to the fetus or through breast milk, and immune globulin preparations given after exposure to certain infections or toxins.