Which type of immunity involves antibodies obtained from another individual?

Passive immunity is characterized by the acquisition of antibodies from an external source, rather than the individual’s own immune response. This type of immunity occurs when antibodies are transferred from one individual to another, providing immediate but temporary protection. For instance, antibodies can be transferred from a mother to her baby during breastfeeding or through the placenta, offering the infant short-term immunity against specific pathogens.

In contrast, natural immunity generally refers to the body's own immune response following exposure to a pathogen, which can result in the development of long-lasting immunity. Active immunity involves the body producing its own antibodies in response to an infection or vaccination, which prepares the immune system for future encounters with the same pathogen. Cell-mediated immunity refers specifically to T-cells' response to pathogens and does not directly involve the antibodies. Consequently, passive immunity is distinctly recognized for involving the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another.