What type of immunity protects a baby who is fed breast milk?

The type of immunity that protects a baby who is fed breast milk is natural passive immunity. This form of immunity occurs when antibodies are transferred from one individual to another without the recipient's immune system actively producing those antibodies.

In the case of breastfeeding, the mother provides antibodies through her breast milk, particularly immunoglobulin A (IgA), which plays a crucial role in protecting the infant's mucosal surfaces. These antibodies help to safeguard the baby against pathogens, giving them a level of protection while their own immune system is still developing. This transfer of immunity is natural because it occurs through normal biological processes and passive since the baby is not generating these antibodies on its own.

Natural active immunity, on the other hand, refers to the immunity that develops when an individual is exposed to a pathogen and their immune system responds by producing its own antibodies. Artificial passive immunity involves the administration of pre-formed antibodies (such as those given in certain medical treatments) that are not produced by the recipient. Lastly, artificial active immunity is induced through vaccination, where an individual is exposed to a harmless form of a pathogen and elicits an immune response.

Understanding these distinctions highlights how natural passive immunity from breast milk is specifically designed for protecting infants during their early and vulnerable stages of life