Inoculation

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Inoculation

Inoculation (pronounced: /ɪˌnɒkjʊˈleɪʃən/) is a process that involves introducing an antigenic substance or vaccine into the body to trigger immune response and protect against infectious diseases. The term is derived from the Latin word 'inoculare', meaning 'to graft'.

History

The practice of inoculation has a long history, dating back to ancient times. The earliest forms of inoculation were used in China and India to protect against smallpox. This practice was later adopted in the West in the 18th century, leading to the development of modern vaccination techniques.

Procedure

Inoculation typically involves the introduction of a weakened or dead pathogen, or a piece of a pathogen, into the body. This can be done through various methods, such as injection, oral administration, or nasal spray. The immune system responds to the introduced substance by producing antibodies, which can then fight off the actual disease if the person is exposed to it in the future.

Related Terms

  • Vaccination: A more specific form of inoculation that involves the introduction of a vaccine into the body to stimulate the immune system's response to a specific disease.
  • Immunization: A process by which a person becomes protected against a disease through inoculation or vaccination.
  • Antigen: A substance that, when introduced into the body, triggers an immune response.
  • Antibody: A protein produced by the immune system in response to an antigen.

See Also

External links

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