Active and Passive Immunities

Active immunity is a state of immunity to a specific antigen achieved by the response of one’s own immune system. Active immunity may include both humoral and cell-mediated responses. Passive immunity is a state of tem­porary immunity achieved by the transfer of immunoglobulins or T cells from an animal with active immunity to another that has not encountered the antigen involved. Passive immunity is a temporary state because the immunoglobulins and/or T cells are degraded or destroyed over time.