Differences between active and passive immunity

A Immunity is guaranteed to our body by the proper functioning of the immune system, responsible for protecting the body against pathogens.

There are two types of immunity: passive and active. The difference between active and passive immunity is in the way the organism contracted the virus. antigen, which can be a virus or a bacterium.

The form of contact will determine the production of the antibodies correctly, ensuring that the organism protects itself from that microorganism.

active immunity

A active immunity occurs after direct exposure of the body to pathogens, whether viruses or bacteria.

This is the type of immunity responsible for the production of antibodies when the body is already infected, that is, in contact with the pathogenic microorganism.

Active immunity can be acquired through the infection itself or through vaccines, which contain the attenuated antigens — incapable of causing the disease, but induce the production of antibodies.

Therefore, if the person is vaccinated when he is healthy, he will produce the antibodies, he will be actively immunized and your body may respond to possible contact with the antigen causing illness.

passive immunity

A passive immunity occurs with the receipt of antibodies, that is, the body is not induced to produce the antibodies.

This type of immunity occurs in specific cases such as:

• Passage from mother to child across the placenta during gestation;
• Passage from mother to child through breastfeeding;
• Receiving combined human immunoglobulin;
• Receiving hyperimmune human immunoglobulin;
• Receipt of heterologous serum;
• blood transfusion.

See too:

• 10 myths about vaccines
• What is amygdala?
• What is antibiotic?