Chapter_17_Applications_of_Immune_Responses

Immunization

The process by which an individual's immune system becomes fortified against an infectious agent.

Vaccines

Biological preparations that provide acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease.

Bacterial meningitis

An inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain, which can lead to death or permanent disabilities.

Attenuated vaccine

A vaccine that contains a weakened form of the pathogen that cannot cause disease.

Inactivated vaccine

A vaccine composed of pathogens that have been killed or inactivated and cannot replicate.

mRNA vaccines

Vaccines that use messenger RNA to instruct cells to produce a protein that prompts an immune response.

Immunoassay

An in vitro test that uses antibody-antigen interactions to detect or quantify given antigens or antibodies in a sample.

Direct Test

An immunoassay where the unknown antigen is attached to a solid surface and labeled antibodies specific for the antigen are used for detection.

Indirect Test

An immunoassay that detects the presence of antibodies in a patient's serum by using a labeled secondary antibody.

Polio

A viral disease that can cause paralysis and death.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations.

Hepatitis B

A potentially fatal viral infection that attacks the liver, primarily transmitted through sexual contact.

Microbial growth

The increase in number of microorganisms in a population.

Innate immune response

The body's initial, non-specific defense mechanism against pathogens.

Adaptive immune response

A specific immune response that is developed over time and leads to long-lasting immunity.

Diphtheria

A respiratory infection caused by a bacteria, with a 10% death rate in unvaccinated populations.

Measles

A viral disease characterized by a severe rash and fever, potentially leading to serious health complications.

Human papilloma virus (HPV)

A sexually transmitted virus that is responsible for most cervical cancer cases.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

Treatment given to prevent disease after exposure to a pathogen.

Rabies

A viral disease that affects the central nervous system, commonly transmitted through animal bites.