Which term best describes the body's ability to destroy infectious agents that enter the body?

• A. Autoimmunity
• B. Immunodeficiency
• C. Passive immunity
• D. Innate immunity

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key terms related to the body's defense mechanisms against infectious agents.
2. Step 2: Define 'Autoimmunity' as a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells, which is not related to destroying external infectious agents.
3. Step 3: Define 'Immunodeficiency' as a state where the immune system's ability to fight infectious agents is impaired or absent, which is the opposite of the body's ability to destroy pathogens.
4. Step 4: Define 'Passive immunity' as immunity gained through the transfer of antibodies from another source (e.g., mother to baby), rather than the body's own immediate response.
5. Step 5: Define 'Innate immunity' as the body's natural, non-specific first line of defense that acts immediately to destroy infectious agents upon entry, which best fits the description in the problem.