What is an example of a passive immunity?

Understanding Passive Immunity
Passive immunity is a fascinating aspect of the immune system that provides immediate, though temporary, protection against pathogens. This type of immunity occurs when an individual receives antibodies from another source rather than producing them through their own immune response.
Natural Example: Maternal Antibodies
One of the most common examples of passive immunity is the transfer of antibodies from a mother to her infant. This can happen in two primary ways: during pregnancy and through breastfeeding.
During pregnancy, antibodies are transferred from the mother to the fetus via the placenta. This transfer is crucial as it helps protect the newborn from infections during the early months of life when their own immune system is still developing. After birth, breastfeeding continues this protective effect. The mother’s milk, particularly colostrum, is rich in antibodies, especially immunoglobulin A (IgA), which helps shield the infant’s gastrointestinal tract from pathogens.
Artificial Example: Antivenom
In addition to natural passive immunity, there are also artificial forms. A notable example is the use of antivenom for snake bites. When a person is bitten by a venomous snake, they can be treated with an injection of antibodies that have been produced in another animal, typically horses or sheep. These ready-made antibodies neutralize the snake venom, providing immediate protection and allowing the body to recover without having to mount its own immune response.
Conclusion
Passive immunity, whether acquired naturally through maternal antibodies or artificially through medical interventions like antivenom, plays a critical role in protecting individuals from infectious diseases. While it offers immediate defense, it is important to note that this type of immunity is short-lived, as the transferred antibodies will eventually degrade and be eliminated from the body. Understanding these mechanisms is vital for both public health and individual medical care.

What is passive immunity and examples?

Passive immunity is provided when a person is given antibodies to a disease rather than producing them through his or her own immune system. A newborn baby acquires passive immunity from its mother through the placenta.

Is breast milk naturally acquired passive immunity?

Key Points. Immunity is transferred through the placenta in the form of antibodies, mainly IgG and IgA. Natural passive immunity can also be transferred through breast milk. Natural passive immunity is short-lived after the birth of the child.

What is an example of passive immunity?

For example, passive immunity occurs when a baby receives a mother’s antibodies through the placenta or breast milk. It can also occur when a person receives an injection of antibodies to protect against the effects of a toxin such as snake venom.

What are the types of passive immunization?

There are two types of passive immunity: artificial and natural. Artificial passive immunity is achieved by infusion of serum or plasma containing high concentrations of antibody.

Which is an example of passive immunity Quizlet?

Babies acquiring antibodies found in the breast milk of their mother is an example of natural passive immunity.

What is a passive immunotherapy?

Audio. 553.mp3. A type of immunotherapy in which donated or laboratory-made immune system components or cellular proteins are given to a person to help fight an infection or disease. Passive immunotherapy using antibodies is often used in cancer treatment.

Which of the following is not an example of passive immunity?

Vaccines is the correct answer as it is NOT an example of passive immunity.

What is an example of active immunotherapy?

Vaccine therapies are a type of specific active immunotherapy. Vaccine therapies deliver various agents that will lead to a specific immune response e.g. antibody development or CTL response. Tumor antigens have been a main target in specific active immunotherapy by way of vaccination.

What is the difference between active and passive immunology?

Whereas active immunity refers to the process of exposing the individual to an antigen to generate an adaptive immune response, passive immunity refers to the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another.

Is a tetanus shot active or passive immunity?

Passive immunization
The shot delivers fully-formed antibodies that already know how to identify and fight tetanus toxins. So, these antibodies can give you immediate protection against tetanus.