What type of immunity is provided by maternal antibodies?

Maternal antibodies provide passive immunity to the infant. This type of immunity is characterized by the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another, rather than the individual producing the antibodies through their own immune response. In this case, antibodies are passed from the mother to the child through the placenta during pregnancy and through breast milk after birth. This transfer gives the newborn immediate protection against certain infections while their own immune system is still developing and learning to respond to pathogens.

Passive immunity is temporary; the antibodies provided by the mother will gradually diminish over time as the infant's immune system matures and begins to produce its own antibodies. This is different from active immunity, which occurs when the body produces its own antibodies in response to an infection or vaccination. Natural immunity generally refers to immunity acquired through infection and recovery, while artificial immunity is gained through vaccination. Understanding these distinctions highlights the importance of maternal antibodies in providing immediate but short-term immune protection to newborns during their vulnerable early weeks and months of life.