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Active immunity and passive immunity are two different forms of acquired immunity, which is the immune response that develops in an individual after exposure to foreign substances such as pathogens or vaccines. The main difference between active and passive immunity lies in how the immune response is acquired.
Active Immunity: Active immunity occurs when the body's immune system is activated to produce an immune response against a specific pathogen or antigen. This can happen naturally when a person is infected with a pathogen and their immune system mounts a response. It can also be acquired artificially through vaccination, where a person receives a weakened or inactivated form of the pathogen or its antigen to stimulate the immune system without causing the disease. The immune response is typically characterized by the production of antibodies and the development of memory cells, which provide long-term protection against future infections by the same pathogen.
Key points about active immunity:
1. Active immunity is acquired by the body's own immune response.
2. It involves the production of antibodies and memory cells.
3. It provides long-term protection against future infections.
4. It can be obtained through natural infection or vaccination.
Passive Immunity: occurs when an individual receives pre-formed antibodies or immune cells from another source. These antibodies are usually obtained from the serum or plasma of individuals who have already developed an immune response against a particular pathogen or toxin. Passive immunity can be acquired naturally, such as through the transfer of antibodies from a mother to her fetus during pregnancy or through breastfeeding. It can also be acquired artificially by administering purified antibodies, known as immunoglobulins, or specific immune cells to an individual for immediate, temporary protection against a particular pathogen. Unlike active immunity, passive immunity does not involve the production of antibodies or memory cells in the recipient and provides only short-term protection.
Key points about passive immunity:
1. Passive immunity is acquired by receiving pre-formed antibodies or immune cells.
2. It does not involve the production of antibodies or memory cells.
3. It provides short-term, immediate protection.
4. It can be obtained naturally or artificially through antibody transfer or immunoglobulin administration.
In summary, active immunity is the result of an individual's own immune response, while passive immunity involves the acquisition of pre-formed antibodies or immune cells from an external source. Active immunity provides long-term protection, while passive immunity offers short-term, immediate protection.
Vaccines, Part 1; Introduction and live attenuated vaccines: https://youtu.be/ZG6I_0Niji8
Vaccines, Part 2; Inactivated or Killed Vaccines: https://youtu.be/0ZgwaCIMGL0
Vaccines, Part 3; Subunit Vaccines: https://youtu.be/e5gzJgBXQqQ
Vaccines, Part 4; Peptide and Toxoid Vaccines: https://youtu.be/1cIMi20MBa4