Question

What are active and passive immunity?

Hint:

Active immunity = body "actively" makes its own antibodies (long-term). Passive immunity = body "passively" receives ready-made antibodies (short-term).

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding Immunity.
Immunity is the ability of the body to resist infections or diseases by producing defense mechanisms. It is broadly classified into active immunity and passive immunity.

Step 2: Active Immunity.
Active immunity is the type of immunity in which an individual's own immune system is stimulated to produce antibodies and memory cells against a pathogen. \[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{It develops either after a natural infection (e.g., recovery from chickenpox) or through vaccination (e.g., polio vaccine).} \\ \bullet & \text{It provides long-lasting protection, often for years or even a lifetime.} \\ \bullet & \text{It takes time to develop since the body must first recognize the antigen and then produce the immune response.} \\ \end{array}\]

Step 3: Passive Immunity.
Passive immunity is the type of immunity in which pre-formed antibodies are transferred into an individual's body, rather than being produced by the person's own immune system. \[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Examples include transfer of maternal antibodies from mother to child through placenta or breast milk, and injection of antiserum or antivenom.} \\ \bullet & \text{It provides immediate protection but is usually short-lived, lasting only for weeks or months.} \\ \bullet & \text{No memory cells are formed, so there is no long-term immunity.} \\ \end{array}\] % Example Table Comparison Table:
\[\begin{array}{|c|c|c|} \hline Feature & Active Immunity & Passive Immunity \\ \hline \text{Source} & \text{Produced by the body itself} & \text{Pre-formed antibodies from outside} \\ \hline \hline \text{Onset} & \text{Slow (takes time to develop)} & \text{Immediate protection} \\ \hline \hline \text{Duration} & \text{Long-lasting (years/lifetime)} & \text{Short-lived (weeks/months)} \\ \hline \hline \text{Memory Cells} & \text{Formed} & \text{Not formed} \\ \hline \hline \text{Examples} & \text{Vaccination, recovery from infection} & \text{Maternal antibodies, antivenom} \\ \hline \end{array}\]