Which type of immunity is transferred from mother to infant through breast milk?

The type of immunity that is transferred from mother to infant through breast milk is known as passive immunity. This form of immunity occurs when antibodies are transferred from one individual to another, providing temporary protection. In the case of breastfeeding, a mother provides her infant with immunoglobulins, particularly Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which plays a crucial role in protecting the gastrointestinal tract from infections.

Passive immunity is characterized by the acquisition of antibodies from another source rather than the immune system producing them. In the context of breastfeeding, the antibodies present in breast milk help shield the infant from pathogens during the early stages of life when their own immune system is not fully developed. This transfer results in immediate but temporary immunity, as the infant will eventually need to establish its own immune responses over time.

Active immunity, in contrast, occurs when the immune system generates its own antibodies in response to pathogens or vaccinations, leading to long-term protection. Artificial immunity usually refers to immunity gained through vaccination or laboratory-produced antibodies. Cell-mediated immunity involves T-cells and does not rely on the transfer of antibodies but on the body's own immune response mechanisms.