A child is bitten by a rabid dog. He is given a series of injections to fight the rabies infection. What kind of immunity does the child have?

Prepare for the Lymphatic and Immune Systems Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with explanations. Get ready for success!

The child receiving a series of injections after being bitten by a rabid dog is a clear example of artificial passive immunity. This type of immunity occurs when antibodies are transferred to an individual, rather than being produced by their own immune system. In this case, the injections typically consist of rabies immunoglobulin, which contains antibodies that provide immediate protection against the rabies virus.

Artificial passive immunity contrasts with other forms, such as natural active immunity, where a person’s immune system responds to an infection by producing its own antibodies. In this scenario, the immune response would not occur quickly enough to combat an immediate and serious threat like rabies. Similarly, artificial active immunity involves receiving a vaccine that stimulates the body's own immune response to produce antibodies over time. Innate immunity, on the other hand, refers to the body's first line of defense against pathogens and does not involve antibodies.

In summary, the use of pre-formed antibodies through injections for immediate protection characterizes the child's situation as artificial passive immunity.

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