Induced immunity: Passive immunity

Question 1

Define passive immunity

Answer 1

It occurs when individuals are given antibodies that were formed by another organism

Question 2

Define natural passive immunity

Answer 2

It occurs when a child gets antibodies from its mother

Question 3

Define artificial passive immunity

Answer 3

It occurs when a person is given an injection containing antibodies made by another organism

Question 4

Does passive immunity provide short-term or long-term resistance to infections?

Answer 4

short-term resistance

Question 5

Why does passive immunity provide short-term resistance to infections?

Answer 5

The immunity lasts until the antibodies are broken down in the recipient’s body. This usually happens somewhere between a few weeks and about 6 months.

Question 6

Name the ways that passive immunity can occur

Answer 6

naturally or artificially

Question 7

How can antibodies be passed from the mother to her child? (2)

Answer 7

1. Across the placenta while the child is in the womb.
2. In the mother’s colostrum that is produced in the first 2 to 3 days of breastfeeding and later in the milk if the child continues to breastfeed.

Question 8

What do the antibodies that are given from mother to child do for the infant?

Answer 8

These antibodies give the child immunity to most common diseases for the first few months of life

Question 9

When and why are antibodies injected into a person?

Answer 9

when the person has an infection that requires an immediate response.
The pathogen grows so fast that the body does not have time to produce antibodies fast enough

Question 10

What happens when antibodies are injected into a person?

Answer 10

The antibodies act very rapidly to control the disease. They do not last very long in the recipient

Question 11

Give an example of artificial passive immunity

Answer 11

When a person gets an anti-tetanus injection.