Passive immunity is a term used in immunology to describe the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another, resulting in temporary protection against a pathogen. The spelling of "passive immunity" can be broken down using IPA phonetic transcription as pæsɪv ɪˈmjuːnɪti. The "p" sound is represented by the symbol /p/, and the "æ" sound is represented by /æ/. The "v" sound is represented by /v/, and the "i" sound is represented by /ɪ/. The stress falls on the second syllable, which is represented by the accent symbol /ˈ/.
Passive immunity refers to the temporary protection against a specific pathogen or toxin that is acquired via the transfer of pre-formed antibodies or immune cells from one individual to another. This type of immunity does not involve the individual's own immune response but rather relies on the borrowed immune components to provide immediate defense against the attacking agent.
The transfer of immunity can occur naturally, through the passage of antibodies from a mother to her fetus through the placenta or through the transfer of antibodies in breast milk. Artificially acquired passive immunity can be achieved through the administration of immune components such as monoclonal antibodies, antitoxins, or immune globulins, derived from humans or animals previously exposed to the pathogen. These immune components may be injected into the bloodstream or given orally.
Passive immunity provides immediate protection against infections or toxins but is temporary because the borrowed immune components eventually degrade within the body. Unlike active immunity, which involves the stimulation of the individual's own immune system to generate long-lasting protection, passive immunity offers immediate but short-lived defense. This type of immunity is particularly useful in emergency situations where time is limited, or in individuals who are unable to mount an effective immune response of their own, such as those with compromised immune systems or newborns.
See acquired i.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "passive" has its origins in the Latin word "passivus", which means "suffering" or "being acted upon". It is derived from the verb "pati", which means "to suffer" or "to endure". In this context, "passive" refers to the idea of receiving or being acted upon, rather than actively participating.
The word "immunity" comes from the Latin word "immunitas", which means "exemption" or "freedom from". It is derived from the prefix "im-" which denotes negation or absence, and the word "munis" meaning "performing one's service". In essence, "immunity" refers to the state of being protected or exempted from something, typically a disease or condition.