High School

What occurs when there is the transfer of antibodies to an individual who has never been exposed to the pathogen, and what is an example of passive immunity?

A) Active immunity; receiving a vaccine
B) Innate immunity; receiving a blood transfusion
C) Passive immunity; maternal antibodies transferred to the fetus
D) Adaptive immunity; production of memory cells after infection

Answer :

Final answer:

Passive immunity occurs when antibodies are transferred to an individual without prior exposure to the pathogen, providing immediate but temporary protection. Maternal antibodies transferred across the placenta to the fetus is a natural example of this process.

Hence option C is correct

Explanation:

When there is the transfer of antibodies to an individual who has never been exposed to the pathogen, this process is known as passive immunity. An example of passive immunity is maternal antibodies transferred to the fetus, which occurs naturally when IgG is transported from the maternal circulation to the fetus via the placenta. This provides the baby with immediate but temporary protection against infections. Passive immunity can also occur through breast milk or via injections of antibodies (like antivenom or immunoglobulin transfusions), which represent artificially acquired passive immunity.

Hence option C is correct

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