Passive Immunity
Biology: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 10.1.9
Active and Passive Immunity
Active immunity to a pathogen involves the body producing its own antibodies to defend itself against a pathogen. Passive immunity involves receiving antibodies for a pathogen from another source.
Active immunity
- Our bodies can be triggered to produce antibodies through natural exposure to a pathogen or through exposure to a pathogen from vaccination.
Passive immunity
- Babies receive antibodies from their mothers through breast-milk. This is an example of passive immunity.
- Unlike active immunity, no memory cells are produced in passive immunity, so this immune defence doesn't last as long as active immunity.
Test yourself on Passive Immunity
What triggers our immune systems to make antibodies?
Which immune defence lasts longer?