Which type of immunity is derived from antibodies passed from mother to child during breastfeeding?

The type of immunity derived from antibodies passed from mother to child during breastfeeding is classified as passive immunity. This form of immunity occurs when antibodies are transferred from one individual to another, providing temporary protection without the recipient's immune system needing to produce its own antibodies. In the context of breastfeeding, the mother transfers crucial antibodies, primarily immunoglobulin A (IgA), through her breast milk, which helps protect the infant against infections during their early life when their own immune system is still developing.

Passive immunity is characterized by its short duration; the transferred antibodies will eventually degrade and be eliminated from the child’s system, which is in contrast to active immunity, where exposure to a pathogen or vaccination leads to the generation of the body's own immune response and long-lasting immunity. Innate immunity refers to the non-specific defenses that are present at birth and do not involve antibodies, while cell-mediated immunity involves T-cells and is not directly related to antibody transfer between mother and child.