TYPES OF IMMUNITY
Natural immunity
Age : Majority of children in the age group between 2-5 years are susceptible to diphtheria disease, whereas adults are immune to it.
Race : While the negroes have a high resistance to yellow fever, the white races are very susceptible to it.
Species: Men are susceptible to typhoid fever, whereas mice are immune to it.
Individuals: Some persons have more resistance against cold and skin diseases than others.
Acquired Immunity
(i)Naturally acquired active immunity
Body takes active part in formation of antibodies
The infection stimulates the body to produce antibodies, which remain in the body to immune the person.
Immunity may last for a life time e.g. small-pox, polio etc.,
May be for a short duration e.g. pneumonia, influenza
(ii)Artificial acquired active immunity
When the antigenic substances such as vaccines are introduced into the body, it stimulates the body, to produce antibodies.
It is produced by injecting attenuated living micro-organisms, dead bacteria and bacterial derivatives. The process is also called immunization.
Passive immunity
The body does not play an active role in, having immunity against a disease.
It receives readymade antibodies to produce immunity.
(i)Naturally acquired passive immunity
Children aged less than a month, are generally immune to certain infectious diseases. This is because they have received the antibodies from the mother.
The antibodies of diphtheria, measles and chicken-pox are transmitted in this way.
(ii) Artificial acquired passive immunity:
The immunity is produced by injecting ready-made antibodies containing preparation (antiserum, sera) into the body
It lasts for a short time only.