Which statement best describes artificial passive immunity?

• A. It involves exposure to an antigen to produce active immunity
• B. It provides temporary protection through transfer of ready-made antibodies
• C. It results in long-lasting immune memory
• D. It occurs via natural infection

Answer: (B)

Artificial passive immunity means giving someone ready-made antibodies from another source to provide immediate protection or treatment. Because these antibodies are already formed, they act right away, but they don’t stimulate the recipient’s own immune system to make memory cells, so the protection is temporary as the antibodies are eventually cleared. This is why the description of temporary protection through transfer of ready-made antibodies best fits artificial passive immunity.

In contrast, exposure to an antigen to produce active immunity describes the body’s own response and memory formation; long-lasting immune memory is a feature of active immunity; and natural infection is not artificial. Examples of artificial passive immunity include immunoglobulin therapy after exposure or antitoxins.