Question

Describe the mechanism of the following classifications of immunity: naturally acquired active immunity, artificially acquired active immunity, naturally acquired passive immunity, artificially acquired passive immunity.

Answer 1

Naturally acquired active immunity: Here, the body gets exposed to a pathogen and develops antibodies in destroying pathogens naturally.

Artificially acquired active immunity: Here antigens that are usually less active or dead are introduced to the body to enable the production of antibodies. Vaccines are examples of this.

Naturally acquired passive immunity: This type of immunity is found in pregnancy where mother's antibody is passed on to growing fetus for fighting against pathogens.

Artificially acquired passive immunity: This type of immunity is usually seen through injecting gamma globulines where antibodies itself are introduced to the body in fighting against pathogens. This is seen more in immune compromised people.