Active immunization
Active Immunization
Active immunization (pronounced: ak-tiv im-yuh-nuh-zey-shuhn) is a method of inducing immunity by exposing the body to an antigen to stimulate an immune response.
Etymology
The term "active immunization" is derived from the Latin words "activus" meaning "active" and "immunis" meaning "exempt". It refers to the process where the immune system is actively involved in generating a protective immune response.
Definition
Active immunization is a process where the immune system is stimulated to produce an immune response by exposure to an antigen. This can be achieved through the administration of vaccines which contain weakened or killed forms of the disease-causing organism, or parts of the organism such as proteins or sugars.
Process
The process of active immunization involves the introduction of a foreign antigen into the body. This antigen is recognized by the immune system which responds by producing antibodies. These antibodies are specific to the introduced antigen and can recognize and neutralize it in future encounters. This results in long-term protection against the disease.
Types
There are two types of active immunization: natural and artificial.
- Natural active immunization occurs when a person is exposed to a live pathogen, develops the disease, and becomes immune as a result of the primary immune response.
- Artificial active immunization is where the antigens are introduced in the form of a vaccine. The immune system responds to the vaccine by producing antibodies and memory cells. This form of immunization is used to protect against various diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, and polio.
Related Terms
- Antigen: A substance that induces an immune response in the body, especially the production of antibodies.
- Vaccine: A biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease.
- Antibodies: Proteins produced by the immune system to neutralize harmful substances such as bacteria and viruses.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Polio: Diseases that can be prevented through active immunization.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Active immunization
- Wikipedia's article - Active immunization
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