National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

What type of immunity is developed when one contracts a disease and produces memory cells?

1. Passive Natural

2. Active Natural

3. Active Artificial

4. Passive Artificial

The correct answer is: Active Natural

The type of immunity developed when an individual contracts a disease and subsequently produces memory cells is known as Active Natural immunity. This form of immunity arises naturally as a result of exposure to a pathogen, leading to an immune response that includes the generation of memory cells. These memory cells are vital because they allow the immune system to recognize and respond more effectively to future infections by the same pathogen. When a person contracts an infectious disease, their immune system produces antibodies and cellular responses. Memory cells, which are a form of lymphocyte, remain in the body long after the initial infection has cleared. In the event of re-exposure to the same pathogen, these memory cells can quickly recognize and combat the invader, providing a more robust and quicker immune response. In contrast, other types of immunity do not involve this natural process of infection and memory cell generation. Passive immunity, whether natural (from mother to child) or artificial (through injected antibodies), does not lead to the production of memory cells, which is a significant difference compared to active immunity. Active artificial immunity involves intentional exposure to a pathogen through vaccination, but this is not the same as contracting the disease naturally. Thus, the correct answer highlights the body's ability to create long-term immunity through natural infection and memory