Definition

Noun: A temporary form of acquired immunity where protective antibodies are transferred to an individual from another source, rather than being produced by the individual's own immune system. This transfer can occur naturally or through medical intervention.

Usage

Passive immunity is used to describe a state of protection against a specific disease or pathogen. It is characterized by its immediate effect but temporary duration. - It is often discussed in medical, biological, and public health contexts. - It contrasts with active immunity, which is long-lasting and generated by the body's own immune response.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Newborns benefit from passive immunity through antibodies received from their mother via the placenta.
  • A person bitten by a rabid animal may receive passive immunity through an injection of rabies immunoglobulin.
  • The passive immunity provided by the antiserum was crucial but lasted only a few weeks.

Advanced Usage

• "Artificial passive immunity": Immunity conferred by the administration of antibodies from another person or animal (e.g., through immune globulin or antiserum injections).
  • Treatment for botulism often involves artificial passive immunity.
• "Natural passive immunity": Immunity transferred naturally, such as from a mother to her fetus via the placenta or to an infant through breast milk.
  • Natural passive immunity helps protect infants during their first few months of life.

Variants and Related Words

• Passive immunization (n): The process of administering antibodies to provide passive immunity.
  • Passive immunization is a key strategy during outbreaks.
• Antiserum (n): A blood serum containing antibodies, used to confer passive immunity.
  • The antiserum provided immediate protection against the toxin.

Synonyms

• Transferred immunity: (Less common) Immunity acquired from an external source.
• Acquired passive immunity: A more precise term specifying the immunity is both acquired and passive.

Related Concepts (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)

• Active immunity: Long-term immunity resulting from the production of antibodies by one's own immune system after infection or vaccination.
• Herd immunity: A form of indirect protection that occurs when a large percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease.
• Antibody: A protein produced by the immune system to neutralize pathogens.

Noun

1. an impermanent form of acquired immunity in which antibodies against a disease are acquired naturally (as through the placenta to an unborn child) or artificially (as by injection of antiserum)