Which of the following is a way to acquire passive immunity?

DSSSB - 28 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: DSSSB - 28 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Passive immunity is the transfer of active humoral immunity in the form of ready-made antibodies from one individual to another.
Antibody transfusion, such as the administration of immunoglobulins, is a primary example of artificial passive immunity.
This method provides immediate, though temporary, protection because the recipient's body does not produce its own antibodies or memory cells.
It is clinically used when immediate protection is needed, such as after exposure to rabies or for an immunocompromised person exposed to a disease.

Option A: Vaccination induces active immunity, not passive. It stimulates the body's own immune system to produce antibodies.
Option B: Exposure to a subclinical infection results in natural active immunity, as the body is stimulated to produce its own antibodies after being exposed to a pathogen without showing symptoms.
Option C: Exposure to a disease (and subsequent recovery) leads to natural active immunity. The immune system actively produces antibodies and memory cells in response to the infection.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Types of Acquired Immunity (Active vs. Passive) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Passive immunization is a critical nursing intervention for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) against diseases like tetanus, rabies, and hepatitis B, providing immediate protection when there is no time for the body to mount its own active response.
Nurses frequently administer immunoglobulins (a form of antibody transfusion) to immunocompromised patients who cannot produce their own antibodies or to patients with specific autoimmune diseases.
It is vital for nurses to educate patients that passive immunity is temporary and does not provide long-term protection, unlike vaccination.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'passive immunity'.
Define passive immunity: It is the transfer of ready-made antibodies to an individual, providing temporary protection.
Analyze each option based on this definition.
Option A (Vaccination): This stimulates the body to make its own antibodies. This is active immunity. Eliminate.
Option B & C (Exposure to infection/disease): This also causes the body to make its own antibodies. This is active immunity. Eliminate.
Option D (Antibody transfusion): This involves receiving antibodies directly. This matches the definition of passive immunity. Select this as the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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