Question

Transplacental transfer of antibodies from a pregnant woman to her fetus is known as: Naturally acquired active immunity. Artificially acquired active immunity. Naturally acquired passive immunity. Artificially acquired passive immunity.

Answer 1

Answer : Naturally acquired passive immunity

Transplacental transfer of antibodies from a pregnant woman to her fetus is known as Naturally acquired passive immunity. Antibodies are transferred from one person to another through natural means such as prenatal and postnatal relationships between mother and child. In humans, maternal antibodies (MatAB) are passed through the placenta to the fetus by an neoenatal Fc receptor (FcRn) on placental cells which helps in facilitating transport of mother Immunoglobin G (IgG) to the growing fetus. IgG is the only antibody isotype that can pass through the human placenta.

IgG is the most common, major antibody present in human serum, blood plasma and tissue fluids, accounts for 80% of total immunoglobins. IgG antibodies protect against bacterial and viral infections in fetuses and the antibodies of maternal origin protect the fetus and the infant from diseases such as diptheria,streptococci,tetanus,measles,rubella,mumps, and polio virus through passive immunity. Immunization is often required shortly after birth because it lasts for about six months after birth.

Active immunity refers to immunity due to the immune system's response to a microorganism or a vaccine while the passive immunity refers to naturally acquired protection against infection by the transfer of antibodies to a susceptible individual.