What type of immunity includes immunity obtained from maternal antibodies during breastfeeding?

Passive immunity refers to the immunity that is acquired when antibodies produced by one individual are transferred to another. This type of immunity is temporary because the recipient’s immune system does not produce its own antibodies; instead, it relies on those obtained externally. In the context of breastfeeding, maternal antibodies are passed to the infant through breast milk, providing the newborn with immediate but short-lived protection against certain infections.

This transfer of antibodies can include immunoglobulin types such as IgA, which helps protect the infant’s gastrointestinal tract from pathogens. Since the infant's immune system is still developing, this naturally occurring passive immunity is crucial in the early days of life.

Active immunity, on the other hand, results from the immune system's own response to an infection or vaccination, developing memory cells that provide long-term immunity. Innate immunity is the body's first line of defense, consisting of physical and chemical barriers, and cellular responses to pathogens. Artificial immunity typically pertains to immunity gained through medical interventions, such as vaccinations or antibody therapies, rather than the natural transfer of antibodies from mother to child.