Meningococcal vaccine
Meningococcal Vaccine
The Meningococcal Vaccine (pronunciation: men-in-go-KOK-al vak-SEEN) is a vaccine used to prevent infection caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, also known as meningococcus.
Etymology
The term "Meningococcal" is derived from the name of the bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis, and the suffix "-al" indicating pertaining to. The term "Vaccine" comes from the Latin vaccinus, meaning "from cows", referencing the early method of using cowpox to immunize against smallpox.
Usage
The Meningococcal Vaccine is used to prevent meningitis and other forms of meningococcal disease. The vaccine works by stimulating the body's immune system to produce antibodies against the meningococcal bacteria.
Types
There are several types of Meningococcal Vaccines, including:
- Meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MCV4): These vaccines are used to protect against four types of meningococcal disease, including serogroups A, C, W, and Y.
- Serogroup B meningococcal vaccines (MenB): These vaccines are used to protect against serogroup B meningococcal disease.
Related Terms
- Meningitis: An inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
- Neisseria meningitidis: A type of bacteria that can cause meningitis and other forms of meningococcal disease.
- Vaccine: A biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease.
- Immune system: The body's defense against infectious organisms and other invaders.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Meningococcal vaccine
- Wikipedia's article - Meningococcal vaccine
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