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Definition

noun

An active immunity acquired by experiencing and having recovered from a disease.

Supplement

Active immunity involves the production of antibodies by lymphocytes and renders relatively longer immunity (compared to passive immunity). Active immunity may be natural or artificial.

This type of active immunity is said to be natural because the immunity is induced not by deliberate exposure (such as vaccination). The individual has developed immunity to a live pathogen by having been exposed to it and by developing a primary immune response that led to immunological memory.

Compare: artificial active immunity

See also: active immunity