Article
2/6/2021

Types of immunity

  • Natural active: Occurs during infection. It is active because lymphocytes are activated by antigens on pathogen's surface.
  • Artificial active: Injecting or taking antigens by mouth. Takes time for T and B cells to be activated but gives long lasting immunity.
  • Natural passive: Mother to child through placenta or milk.
  • Artificial passive: Used during potentially fatal diseases. Provides an instant response but only temporary as antibodies are not the body's own so memory cells are not created. E.g. tetanus - injection of antitoxins given.
  • Memory cells are only produced in active immunity.
  • Protection for active immunity is permanent whereas in passive immunity it is only temporary.
  • Antigens are only encountered in active immunity.
  • Active immunity takes several weeks to become active but passive is immediate.