Passive Immunity: Natural and Artificial Ways to Transfer Antibodies for Temporary Protection

Immunity conferred by an antibody produced in another host and acquired naturally by an infant from its mother, or artificially by administration of an antibody-containing preparation.

The immunity described here is called passive immunity

The immunity described here is called passive immunity. It is conferred by the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another. In this case, the antibodies are produced in another host (usually the mother) and acquired naturally by an infant, or they can be obtained through artificial means by administering an antibody-containing preparation.

During pregnancy, a mother’s immune system produces antibodies to a variety of pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, that she has been exposed to throughout her life. These antibodies are then transported across the placenta and reach the developing fetus, providing temporary protection against those specific pathogens. This natural transfer of antibodies from mother to child is known as maternal transfer of immunity.

Furthermore, after birth, an infant continues to receive passive immunity through breast milk, which contains high levels of antibodies. Breast milk is rich in a type of antibody called Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which helps protect the infant’s mucosal surfaces in the digestive and respiratory tracts from infection.

On the other hand, passive immunity can also be acquired artificially. This is done by administering a preparation that contains concentrated antibodies to provide immediate, temporary protection against specific pathogens. This is commonly referred to as antibody therapy or immunoglobulin therapy.

Artificially obtained passive immunity can be used in situations where the individual is at immediate risk of severe infection or has a weakened immune system. For example, it may be administered to individuals bitten by venomous snakes, to prevent the venom from causing severe damage, or to individuals with compromised immune systems who are unable to produce sufficient antibodies on their own.

It is important to note that passive immunity provides immediate but temporary protection, as the transferred antibodies eventually break down and are cleared from the recipient’s system. Therefore, while it can be lifesaving in certain situations, it does not provide long-term immunity like active immunity, which is generated by one’s own immune system after exposure to an infectious agent or vaccination.

Overall, passive immunity, whether acquired naturally from the mother or artificially through antibody administration, plays a crucial role in protecting infants and individuals with weakened immune systems, providing a temporary shield against specific pathogens until their own active immune responses can develop.

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