Passive immunity can be provided through which medium?

Passive immunity is a form of immunity that occurs when a person is given antibodies, rather than producing them on their own. This can happen through various mediums, which include natural and artificial methods. Breast milk is a natural source of antibodies, particularly immunoglobulin A (IgA), which is crucial for protecting infants against infections. When a mother breastfeeds, she passes her antibodies to her baby, offering temporary immunity to the child, especially during the early months of life when their immune system is still developing.

This type of immunity is called "passive" because the baby does not actively produce these antibodies; they are provided directly from the mother's immune system. This is different from active immunity, where the body produces its own antibodies in response to an infection or vaccination. Through breastfeeding, the infant receives immediate protection against pathogens, demonstrating the significance of breast milk in the development of the infant's immune defenses.