Which type of immunity occurs after exposure to a disease?

Active immunity develops when an individual's immune system is exposed to a pathogen or a part of a pathogen, such as a toxin or an antigen, and responds by producing specific antibodies. This exposure can occur naturally through infection or artificially through vaccination.

When an individual recovers from the disease, their immune system retains memory cells that enable it to respond more rapidly and effectively if exposed to the same pathogen in the future. This long-lasting protection is a hallmark of active immunity, distinguishing it from other forms of immunity that may not offer as sustained or robust a defense against future infections.

In contrast, passive immunity involves the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another (such as from mother to child or through antibody treatments) but does not lead to the recipient's own immune system generating a lasting response. Natural immunity refers to immunity acquired through natural exposure to pathogens. Maternal immunity specifically pertains to the antibodies passed from mother to baby, which does not result from the infant’s own immune response.