Dictionary > Natural passive immunity

Natural passive immunity

Definition
noun
A passive immunity acquired by the fetus or newborn from the mother via the placental transfer of antibodies during pregnancy and via breast milk. This type of immunity is short-lived, lasting the first six months of the newborn’s life.
Supplement
Adaptive immunity is divided into two types: natural immunity and artificial immunity. Natural immunity is further divided into natural passive immunity and natural active immunity. Artificial immunity can also be divided into artificial passive immunity and artificial active immunity.
Passive immunity is typically short lived (compared to active immunity). Passive immunity may be naturally acquired or artificially acquired. Maternal passive immunity is one type of naturally acquired passive immunity wherein the maternal antibodies are passed through the placenta to the fetus during the third month of gestation. Another means is by passing the antibodies in the breast milk when breastfeeding.
Compare: natural active immunity, artificial passive immunity
See also: passive immunity


You will also like...

Plant biology
Plant Biology

Plantlife can be studied at a variety of levels, from the molecular, genetic and biochemical level through organelles, c..

Biological Cell Defense
Biological Cell Defense

Organisms employ different strategies to boost its defenses against antigens. Humans have an immune system to combat pat..

Cell structure
Cell Structure

A typical eukaryotic cell is comprised of cytoplasm with different organelles, such as nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, G..

Selective Breeding
Selective Breeding

Gregor Mendel's studies into Monohybrid and Dihybrid crossing and Charles Darwin's study of evolution and natural select..

Thermographic image of face and neck
Regulation of Organic Metabolism, Growth and Energy Balance

The human body is capable of regulating growth and energy balance through various feedback mechanisms. Get to know the e..

Physical growth
Physical Development in Humans

This tutorial elaborates on the physical development of humans, particularly from puberty to adulthood. Read this tutori..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics