Question

Passive immunity is:

• A. inherited from the parent
• B. acquired through the first exposure to the disease
• C. achieved directly through readymade antibodies
• D. achieved through vaccination

Answer 1

The correct option is C achieved directly through readymade antibodies

Passive immunity refers to the immunity obtained when ready-made antibodies are directly given to protect the body against foreign agents. It can occur naturally, when maternal antibodies are transferred to the foetus through the placenta, and can also be induced artificially, when high levels of human (or horse) antibodies specific for a pathogen or toxin are transferred to non-immune individuals.

Active immunity results from the antibodies produced by the host itself after expoure to a pathogen or after vaccination.