passive immunity

• passive immunity - produced by the introduction of antibodies into individuals from an outside source

  • no direct contact with the pathogen or antigen is required
• natural passive immunity - antibodies transferred from mother to infant from breastfeeding
• artificial passive immunity - you are injected with antibodies

  e.g. plasma transfusion, tetanus shot
• problems with passive immunity:

  • maternal antibodies pass from placenta into foetal blood
  • breast feeding passes antibodies present in the colostrum
  • protection is temporary and only lasts a few months after birth
• immunity is produced quickly
• causes short term protection