What type of immunity does a newborn receive through breastmilk?

• A. Artificial active
• B. Passive immunity
• C. Active immunity
• D. Natural active

Answer: (B)

The type of immunity a newborn receives through breast milk is passive immunity. This form of immunity occurs when antibodies are transferred from one individual to another, providing temporary protection against infections. In the case of breastfeeding, the mother’s body produces antibodies in response to pathogens she has encountered. These antibodies are then secreted into the breast milk, particularly in the form of immunoglobulin A (IgA), which helps shield the newborn from infections during the early months of life when their own immune system is still developing.

This immunity is termed "passive" because the newborn does not produce these antibodies themselves; rather, they receive them from their mother. As a result, this type of immunity is short-lived and does not provide long-term protection compared to active immunity, where the body actively produces its own antibodies in response to pathogens or vaccination.

The other types of immunity listed, such as artificial active, active, and natural active, involve the body generating its own immune response either through vaccinations or natural infection, which does not apply to the antibodies found in breast milk.