Human Health & Diseases Test 6

Louis Pasteur discovered the technique of preparing vaccine from an attenuated pathogen in 1879. This was the first true vaccine consisting of weakened micro-organisms against the disease chicken cholera.

The term vaccine was coined by Edward Jenner. A vaccine is a suspension or extract of weakened pathogens which when injected into a healthy person provides active acquired immunity to the disease.

Edward Jenner prepared his first vaccine of smallpox by using pathogens from cow pustule. He injected fluid from the sore of milkmaid suffering from cowpox into the body of a healthy boy which did not later catch smallpox.

The vaccines produced through genetic engineering are considered safe because they contain antigen only from the coat of pathogen which is almost harmless.

The basic principle of immunisation or vaccination is based on the property of memory of the immune system. When an immunised person is attacked by the pathogen, the existing bodies immediately attack the antigen while the memory T and B cells give rise to a massive crop of lymphocytes and antibodies.

ATS inoculation soon after injury that brings contact with soiled objects give protection against the possible attack of tetanus. Wounds and cutes or surgical instruments coming in contact with the road dust may cause the entry of spores into the body. Injection of ATS within 24 hours of injury gives passive immunity to the individual.

A disease against which vaccination resorts only during epidemics is Cholera. Vaccination against cholera gives immunity for only a few months. It is useful, especially during epidemics. Chlorination or ozone treatment of water, boiled water, disinfected food are measures essential for prevention.

Von Behring was awarded the noble prize for his work on passive immunity. He is also regarded as the Father of Passive immunity.

A single vaccination gives adequate immunity and lasts lifelong is the incorrect statement. It may not give adequate immunity. Therefore, 2-3 booster doses of vaccine are administered later on at specific intervals.