What are the types of acquired immunity?

Acquired immunity refers to the immunity that an individual develops throughout their life, specifically after exposure to pathogens or through immunization. The correct answer highlights the four specific types of acquired immunity: naturally active, naturally passive, artificially active, and artificially passive.

Naturally active immunity occurs when a person is exposed to a pathogen and their immune system responds by producing specific antibodies. This can happen during an infection where the body develops memory cells for future defense against the same pathogen.

Naturally passive immunity involves the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another, such as from mother to infant through breast milk or across the placenta before birth. This provides the newborn with immediate protection from infections early in life.

Artificially active immunity is achieved through vaccinations, where a weakened or inactive form of a pathogen is introduced to stimulate the immune system to create antibodies without causing the disease.

Artificially passive immunity involves the administration of pre-formed antibodies, often in the form of serum from immune individuals, to provide immediate, but temporary, protection against a disease.

Understanding these four types helps to clarify how immune protection can be developed or transferred, emphasizing the role of both natural processes and medical interventions in acquiring immunity.