Passive Immunity & Breastfeeding (Cambridge International IGCSE Biology)

Spec point — 10.1.7 · Explain that passive immunity is a short-term defence against a pathogen by antibodies acquired from another individual, including across the placenta and in breast milk Explain the importance of breastfeeding for the development of passive immunity in infants State that memory cells are not produced in passive immunity

Passive immunity & breastfeeding

• Passive immunity is a fast-acting, short-term defence against a pathogen by antibodies acquired from another individual
• Antibodies pass from mother to infant via breast milk - this is important as it helps the very young to fight off infections until they are older and stronger and their immune system is more responsive
• The body does not make its own antibodies or memory cells in passive immunity, hence the name