Passive Immunization: Immediate Protection Against Pathogens
What is passive immunization and how does it differ from active immunization?
a. Passive immunization involves the recipient producing antibodies themselves
b. Passive immunization involves the recipient receiving preformed antibodies from an external source
c. Passive immunization activates the recipient's T cells
d. Passive immunization establishes memory for the antigen of interest in the recipient
Answer:
The correct answer is: b. Passive immunization involves the recipient receiving preformed antibodies from an external source.
Passive immunization is a type of immunization where preformed antibodies are directly transferred to an individual to provide immediate protection against a specific pathogen. This is different from active immunization, where the individual's immune system is stimulated to produce its own antibodies.
In passive immunization, the recipient does not produce the antibodies themselves, but rather receives them from an external source, such as through injection of immune serum or administration of monoclonal antibodies. The transferred antibodies can provide immediate protection against the pathogen.
Unlike active immunization, in passive immunization, the recipient's B cells and T cells are not activated, and memory for the antigen of interest is not established in the recipient. The primary benefit of passive immunization is the quick transfer of ready-made antibodies to provide immediate protection, which can be particularly useful in emergency situations or for individuals who are unable to mount an immune response.