When antibodies are produced in one body and transferred to another body for protection against a disease, what is it called?

Appeared in: BCCL kharkhanda Staff Nurse - 2015

Explanation

Passive immunity is defined as the transfer of pre-formed antibodies from one individual to another.
This process provides immediate protection because the recipient does not need to produce their own antibodies.
The key characteristic described in the question—transfer of antibodies between bodies—is the definition of passive immunity.
Unlike active immunity, it is temporary and does not create immunological memory.

Option A: Active immunity involves the body producing its own antibodies after exposure to an antigen, such as through infection or vaccination. The question describes receiving antibodies, not producing them.
Option B: Herd immunity is a population-level concept, not an individual one. It describes how a community is protected when a large portion is immune, which limits the spread of disease. It does not involve the direct transfer of antibodies between individuals.
Option D: Cellular immunity is an immune response mediated by T-lymphocytes, not antibodies. It targets pathogens that replicate inside host cells, like viruses and some bacteria.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Types of Acquired Immunity helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding the difference between active and passive immunity is crucial for patient education, especially regarding vaccinations and treatments like immunoglobulins.
Passive immunization is a critical intervention for post-exposure prophylaxis (e.g., for rabies, tetanus, or hepatitis B) when immediate protection is needed.
Nurses must educate patients that passive immunity is temporary and does not replace the need for active immunization (vaccination) for long-term protection.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'antibodies are produced in one body and transferred to another'.
This phrase describes a process of receiving protection, not creating it.
Next, recall the definitions of the different types of immunity provided in the options.
Active Immunity: Your body actively makes antibodies.
Passive Immunity: You passively receive ready-made antibodies.
Herd Immunity: Community-level protection.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full BCCL kharkhanda Staff Nurse - 2015

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.