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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Active and Passive Immunity?

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The main difference between active and passive immunity lies in the way they are developed and their duration. Here are the key differences between the two:

Active Immunity:

  • Developed due to the production of antibodies in one's own body.
  • Usually long-lasting, sometimes life-long.
  • Takes time (usually several weeks) to develop.
  • Produces an immunological memory.
  • Can be acquired through natural immunity or vaccine-induced immunity.

Passive Immunity:

  • Developed by antibodies that are produced outside and then introduced into the body.
  • Provides immediate but short-lived protection, lasting several weeks up to 3 or 4 months.
  • Immunity develops immediately.
  • Does not produce immunological memory.
  • Can be acquired naturally (e.g., maternal passive immunity) or artificially (e.g., through antibody-containing blood products).

In summary, active immunity is developed within the body and provides long-lasting protection, while passive immunity is acquired from external sources and offers immediate but short-lived protection.

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  • What is the Difference Between Active and Passive Immunity?
  • Comparative Table: Active vs Passive Immunity

    • Comparative Table: Active vs Passive Immunity

    Here is a table comparing active and passive immunity:

    Feature Active Immunity Passive Immunity
    Definition Immunity that occurs following exposure to all or part of a pathogen, stimulating the production of antibodies to protect the body Protection from a disease provided by antibodies created outside of the body, then introduced into it
    Development Developed due to the production of antibodies in one's own body Developed by antibodies that are produced outside and then introduced into the body
    Exposure to Antigen Requires exposure to a pathogen or to the antigen of a pathogen Does not require exposure to an infectious agent or its antigen
    Immune System Involvement Involves the activation of the immune system, production of large numbers of T cells and B cells specific to the pathogen Does not involve the immune system and provides a quick response to the infection
    Immunity Duration Usually long-lasting, sometimes life-long May last for a few weeks or months
    Immunity Effectiveness Provides effective protection Protection rendered is less effective and may not be complete
    Adverse Effects Can be implicated in autoimmune diseases and allergies, but generally does not have side effects A condition called serum sickness can result from exposure to antisera
    Examples Vaccination against diseases like measles or flu Receiving antibodies from another individual, such as through breastmilk or IVIG treatment

    Active immunity is acquired through exposure to a pathogen or its antigens, stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies that protect the body. In contrast, passive immunity is acquired by introducing antibodies produced outside the body, providing a quick response to infections but with less effectiveness and duration compared to active immunity.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.