ATI Pathophysiology Practice Exam

Breastfeeding provides natural passive immunity to infants. This type of immunity occurs when antibodies are transferred from one individual to another without the recipient's immune system having to produce them. In this case, antibodies from the mother are passed through breast milk to the infant, offering immediate protection against various pathogens. Natural passive immunity is typically temporary, as the antibodies provided by the mother will gradually diminish as the infant grows. This immunity is particularly crucial for newborns and young infants, who have immature immune systems and are vulnerable to infections. This form of protection is especially important during the early months of life while the infant's own immune system continues to develop. In contrast, natural active immunity involves the body's own immune response being activated through exposure to pathogens, leading to the production of antibodies; this develops over time and provides long-lasting protection. Artificial active immunity is gained through vaccination, where exposure to a harmless form of a pathogen stimulates the immune response. Artificial passive immunity, on the other hand, involves the direct transfer of antibodies through medical interventions, such as intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Breastfeeding’s role in providing immediate, maternal-derived antibody protection makes it a key example of natural passive immunity.