What type of immunity is provided when antibodies are received from breast milk?

The immunity provided when antibodies are received from breast milk is classified as passive immunity. This type of immunity occurs when a person receives antibodies produced by another individual rather than producing their own. In the case of breast milk, specific antibodies known as immunoglobulins are transferred from the mother to the infant, offering immediate protection against certain pathogens.

Passive immunity is typically short-lived because the transferred antibodies do not have a long duration in the recipient's body, as they will eventually degrade without the underlying immune system generating its own response. This is evident in infants who benefit from the antibodies present in the mother’s milk, protecting them from infections during their early months of life.

Active immunity, on the other hand, occurs when an individual's own immune system is stimulated to produce antibodies in response to an antigen, such as during an infection or vaccination. Artificial immunity involves immunity gained through medical interventions such as vaccinations or antibody therapies, while natural immunity refers to immunity acquired by infections or through natural exposure to pathogens. These distinctions clarify why the transfer of antibodies via breast milk is best categorized as passive immunity.