Q.7 The type of immunological protection provided by plasma therapy is
(A) Natural active (B) Natural passive
(C) Artificial active (D) Artificial passive
The type of immunological protection provided by plasma therapy is (D) Artificial passive.
Plasma therapy, or convalescent plasma therapy, involves transfusing antibodies from recovered individuals into patients, providing immediate but temporary protection without stimulating the recipient’s own immune response.
Option Explanations
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(A) Natural active: Occurs when the body naturally encounters a pathogen, like during infection, triggering its own antibody production and long-term memory cells.
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(B) Natural passive: Involves natural transfer of pre-formed antibodies, such as from mother to fetus via placenta or through colostrum in breast milk.
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(C) Artificial active: Results from deliberate introduction of antigens via vaccines, prompting the body to generate its own antibodies and lasting immunity.
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(D) Artificial passive: Matches plasma therapy, where ready-made antibodies from donor plasma are artificially administered for quick, short-term protection.
Introduction to Plasma Therapy Immunity
Plasma therapy delivers type of immunological protection plasma therapy classifies as artificial passive immunity, transfusing donor antibodies for rapid defense against infections like COVID-19. This approach suits CSIR NET Life Sciences aspirants studying humoral immunity, offering immediate relief without endogenous response. Unlike vaccines, it provides short-term shielding, ideal for emergencies.
Core Immunity Types Breakdown
Immunity divides into active (self-generated antibodies) and passive (received antibodies), each natural or artificial.
| Type | Description | Examples | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Active | Body fights natural infection | Recovering from chickenpox | Long-term |
| Natural Passive | Maternal antibodies transferred naturally | Colostrum IgA to newborn | Weeks to months |
| Artificial Active | Vaccine stimulates antibody production | MMR or polio vaccine | Years to lifelong |
| Artificial Passive | Injected pre-formed antibodies | Plasma therapy or rabies IG | Short-term |
This table clarifies why plasma therapy fits artificial passive.
Plasma Therapy Mechanism
Convalescent plasma contains neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) from recovered donors, reducing pathogen load without creating recipient memory cells. Administered early, it lowers mortality in severe cases, as seen in historical outbreaks. For CSIR NET, note it bypasses primary response, contrasting active immunity.
CSIR NET Exam Relevance
Questions on type of immunological protection plasma therapy test adaptive immunity classification. Artificial passive suits urgent scenarios lacking vaccines, with risks like short duration but benefits in immunocompromised patients. Practice distinguishing via examples for scoring in molecular biology sections.
