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Multiple Choice

Which statement describes natural passive immunity?

Natural passive immunity comes from the mother transferring antibodies to the baby, providing immediate but temporary protection without the infant having to make antibodies themselves. Antibodies crossing the placenta during pregnancy and those present in breast milk (especially secretory IgA) protect the newborn, especially on mucosal surfaces, right from birth. This protection wanes as maternal antibodies fade, and the infant then relies on its own immune system and future vaccines for longer-term protection. The other scenarios involve the infant’s immune system actively responding (or receiving antibodies through an artificial/protective intervention), not natural passive transfer from the mother.

Natural passive immunity comes from the mother transferring antibodies to the baby, providing immediate but temporary protection without the infant having to make antibodies themselves. Antibodies crossing the placenta during pregnancy and those present in breast milk (especially secretory IgA) protect the newborn, especially on mucosal surfaces, right from birth. This protection wanes as maternal antibodies fade, and the infant then relies on its own immune system and future vaccines for longer-term protection. The other scenarios involve the infant’s immune system actively responding (or receiving antibodies through an artificial/protective intervention), not natural passive transfer from the mother.