Difference Between Active Immunity And Passive Immunity

Immunity is the ability of the body to destroy foreign materials, harmful germs and pathogens to prevent infection in the body. It is the first line of defense in human body against outsider materials . Strong immunity protects body from getting infected by any disease. There are two types of Adaptive immunity. There are disease specific antibodies in our body, which means that each antibody protects body from only one-disease agent.

Active Immunity

Active immunity is permanent and its an immunity that is developed due to the production of the antibodies in one’s own body. In other words active immunity is produced by the antibodies of the host in response to direct contact with antigen. Active immunity generates immunological memory. When any kind of antigens enters in the body then specialized lymphocytes and antibodies are produced in blood stream to fight with it. These antibodies can neutralized or destroy the harmful antigens. There are no side effects of the active immunity and it is safe. In the case of active immunity the immunity doesn’t occurs immediately but it will take time gradually. Active immunity can be developed naturally or through vaccination. For example the vaccines of various diseases can develop a permanent antibody flow in our blood stream that will detect that pathogen anytime in life and protect body funtions from it.

Passive immunity

Passive immunity is the type of immunity that is developed by antibodies produced outside of the body and then injected and introduce to the body. Passive immunity is temporary and it can last only for a few weeks or for a month. The antibodies are made outside of the body and then injected in the host body. This kind of immunity doesn’t store any immunological memory and it can cause several side effects in body. The passive immunity develops immediately and faster to cure the problem. Passive immunity can be developed by maternal way or through artificial injections. In maternal way a mother introduces antibodies to a fetus in her womb through placenta before birth and transfer antibodies to an infant through breastfeeding.