Maternally Acquired Immunity (MAI) refers to the immunity that a newborn receives from its mother, typically through the placenta or via breast milk. This type of immunity provides temporary protection against certain diseases during the vulnerable period of early infancy.
When a mother has been previously exposed to a specific pathogen or has been vaccinated against it, she develops an immune response, producing antibodies that can neutralize the pathogen. These antibodies can pass from the mother's bloodstream, through the placenta, to the developing fetus, or they can be transferred through breast milk after birth.
Maternally Acquired Immunity plays a crucial role in protecting newborns during the first few months of their lives when their own immune systems are still developing and not fully capable of fighting off infections. It provides a significant defense against a range of diseases, such as measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus.
However, it is important to note that the duration of Maternally Acquired Immunity varies depending on the specific disease and the level of antibodies transferred. In some cases, the protection may wane after a few weeks or months, leaving the infant susceptible to infection. Additionally, Maternally Acquired Immunity can interfere with the effectiveness of certain vaccines, as the existing maternal antibodies may neutralize the vaccine components before the baby's immune system has a chance to respond.
Overall, Maternally Acquired Immunity is a natural form of protection that offers temporary defense against infectious diseases in infants, providing a critical shield until their own immune systems mature.
