What term describes the immunity one is born with?

Natural immunity refers to the type of immune protection that is present at birth, which is characteristic of the body’s first line of defense against pathogens. This immunity comes as a result of genetic inheritance and biological factors that provide a general resistance to many diseases. It includes barriers such as skin and mucous membranes, as well as innate immune responses that do not require previous exposure to a pathogen.

This type of immunity is different from acquired immunity, which develops through exposure to pathogens (like through vaccination or infection), and adaptive immunity, which is a component of the acquired immune response that matures over time and is tailored to specific pathogens. Inherited immunity is not a standard term used in immunology, and while it might imply genetic factors, it doesn’t fully capture the concept of immunity that is present from birth.

Understanding natural immunity is crucial in fields like healthcare and immunology, as it helps inform strategies for disease prevention and treatment.