Answer to Question #4412 in Biology for June

Question

Baby Joseph is being breast fed by his mother even though her friends tell her that it would be easier to bottle feed the baby formula. the mother insists that she is providing more than just nutrition by using her milk but is also protecting the child from disease. a. what is she giving the baby besides that would protect him form disease? b. what type of immunity is this? c. is this immunity permanent? Why or Why not?

Answer 1

IgANaturally acquired passive immunityNo, it’s not. Mother’s milk IgA is regulary excreted with the feces and can’t be hold in a child organism.
Mother’s IgA are only in the GIT (gastro-intestinal tract), but not in
blood, that’s why the naturally acquired passive immunity is not permanent.