IgA antibodies are obtained by an infant through colostrum in mother’s milk. This is an example of which type… - Haryana CHO - 2022

Haryana CHO - 2022

Applied Physiology

Medium

Appeared in: Haryana CHO - 2022

Explanation

Naturally acquired passive immunity because the infant receives pre-formed antibodies (passive) through a natural process (breastfeeding).
It is 'natural' because the transfer occurs biologically from mother to child without medical intervention.
It is 'passive' because the infant's immune system is not actively producing the antibodies; it is receiving them ready-made from the mother.
This transfer provides immediate, though temporary, protection against pathogens, particularly in the gut, as IgA is the main antibody in secretions like breast milk.

Option A: This is incorrect because the infant's body is not actively producing its own antibodies in response to an infection. The antibodies are received passively.
Option B: This is incorrect because the process is natural (breastfeeding), not artificial (like a vaccine), and it is passive, not active.
Option D: This is incorrect because the transfer of antibodies is through a natural process (breastfeeding), not an artificial one.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Types of Acquired Immunity as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in educating new mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding, including the transfer of passive immunity which protects newborns from infections.
Understanding that this immunity is temporary helps nurses explain the importance of adhering to the recommended childhood vaccination schedule to build long-lasting active immunity.
What if an infant is born prematurely and cannot breastfeed? The infant would miss out on this natural passive immunity from colostrum, increasing their susceptibility to infections. Nursing care would focus on strict infection control, and the infant might receive pasteurized donor human milk or, in specific situations, immunoglobulin therapy.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key elements in the question: antibodies (IgA) are being transferred from a mother to an infant through breast milk.
Next, analyze the two main pairs of terms in the options: 'Natural vs. Artificial' and 'Active vs. Passive'.
Determine if the process is 'Natural' or 'Artificial'. Since breastfeeding is a biological process, it is 'Natural'. This eliminates options involving 'Artificially acquired'.
Determine if the immunity is 'Active' or 'Passive'. Since the infant is receiving ready-made antibodies and not producing them, it is 'Passive'. This eliminates the 'active immunity' option.
Combine the correct terms: 'Naturally' and 'Passive'. This leads to 'Naturally acquired passive immunity'.
Finally, select the option that matches this conclusion.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Types of Acquired Immunity
Stem keywords: IgA antibodies, infant, colostrum, mother’s milk, immunity
Lead-in keywords: example of which type
Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.
Negative lead-in flag: false

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