Which type of immunity is provided by the transfer of colostrum from mother to child?

The immunity provided by the transfer of colostrum from mother to child is classified as natural passive immunity. This type of immunity occurs when antibodies are transferred from one individual to another, rather than being produced by the recipient’s own immune system. In this scenario, colostrum, which is the first milk produced by the mother after giving birth, is rich in antibodies, particularly Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which helps to protect the newborn from infections.

Natural passive immunity is beneficial for infants because it provides immediate protection against pathogens until their own immune systems become fully functional and capable of producing their own antibodies. This enables the infant to gain some level of protection in the early weeks of life, during which they are particularly vulnerable to diseases.

In contrast, the other types of immunity mentioned involve different mechanisms or origins. Natural active immunity develops when an individual’s immune system is exposed to a pathogen and produces antibodies in response. Artificial active immunity involves the deliberate introduction of antigens through vaccination to stimulate the body’s immune response. Artificial passive immunity, on the other hand, entails the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another, but typically through medical intervention, such as an injection of immunoglobulins.