What type of immunity is demonstrated by antibodies passed to an infant through breast milk?

The type of immunity demonstrated by antibodies passed to an infant through breast milk is known as natural passive immunity. This form of immunity occurs when antibodies are transferred from one individual to another in a natural manner, without any deliberate medical intervention.

In the case of breast milk, the mother produces specific antibodies in response to pathogens she has encountered. These antibodies are then transferred to the infant during breastfeeding, providing the infant with immediate protection against certain infections. This transfer is beneficial as the infant's immune system is still developing and may not yet be capable of producing its own antibodies against all pathogens.

Natural passive immunity typically lasts for a limited time, as the antibodies that the infant receives from the mother will eventually degrade and be cleared from the body. This form of immunity is contrasted with natural active immunity, where the individual’s immune system activates in response to exposure to a pathogen, leading to the production of their own antibodies.

Overall, the key point is that natural passive immunity involves the transfer of preformed antibodies from mother to child, which is a vital component of neonatal immune protection.