Differences between active and passive immunity

July 8, 2018

S.N	Active immunity	Passive immunity
1.	Produced actively by the immune system of the host.	Received passively by the host and the host immune system does not participate.
2.	Induced by infection or by contacts with immunogens.	Conferred by introduction of ready-made antibodies.
3.	Immune response is durable and effective.	Immune response is short lived and less effective.
4.	Immunity develops only after a lag period.	Immunity effective immediately.
5.	Immunological memory present due to presence of memory cells.	No immunological memory.
6.	Subsequent challenge with booster dose more effective.	Subsequent administration of antibody is less effective due to immune elimination.
7.	After antigenic stimulus, negative phase may occur due to antigen combining with any pre-existing antibody in blood.	No negative phase is present here.
8.	Serves no purpose in immuno-defecient host.	Applicable in immuno-defecient host.
9.	Used for prophylaxis to increase body resistance.	Used for treatment of acute infection.
10.	Side effects are very low.	The body may react to antisera.
11.	Artificial active immunity is induced by vaccination.	Artificial passive immunity is induced by injection of antibodies.
12.	A lag period is present.	A lag period is absent.