What characterizes artificial passive immunity?

Artificial passive immunity is characterized by the provision of antibodies to an individual who does not produce them naturally, which typically results in short-term immunity. This type of immunity is achieved through medical interventions, such as administering serum or immunoglobulins that contain pre-formed antibodies. These antibodies act quickly to neutralize pathogens but do not trigger the recipient's immune system to produce its own antibodies, which is why the protection is temporary.

In contrast, long-term immunity usually arises from active immunity, where the organism's immune system is stimulated to produce its own antibodies, providing longer-lasting protection. Natural immune responses refer to immunities developed through exposure to pathogens, rather than through external administration. While maternal antibodies can confer immunity, they are primarily a feature of natural passive immunity, not artificial passive immunity.