Premunition

Premunition, also known as infection-immunity, is a host response that protects against high numbers of parasite and illness without eliminating the infection. This type of immunity is relatively rapid, progressively acquired, short-lived, and partially effective. For malaria, premunition is maintained by repeated antigen exposure from infective bites. Thus, if an individual departs from an endemic area, he or she may lose premunition and become susceptible to malaria.