4.1.1: Communicable Diseases: Disease Prevention

Question 1

What are the two types of immunity induced by immunisation?

Answer 1

Passive immunity and artificial active immunity

Passive immunity involves direct injection of antibodies, while artificial active immunity involves injection of antigens or attenuated pathogens.

Question 2

How does passive immunity help the body?

Answer 2

By injecting antibodies directly to help destroy the pathogen

This provides immediate protection against infections.

Question 3

What triggers a primary immune response in artificial active immunity?

Answer 3

Injection or oral intake of antigens or small amounts of an attenuated pathogen

This leads to the body developing a memory for the pathogen.

Question 4

What is the purpose of vaccines in disease prevention?

Answer 4

To provide protection for individuals and populations against disease

Vaccines stimulate the immune system to prepare it for future encounters with pathogens.

Question 5

What is the typical effect of a booster vaccination?

Answer 5

Enhancement of the secondary immune response

Booster vaccines are given to increase antibody levels and memory against specific pathogens.

Question 6

What phenomenon occurs when a large enough proportion of a population is vaccinated?

Answer 6

Herd immunity

This reduces the likelihood of susceptible individuals encountering infected individuals.

Question 7

What is antigen variability?

Answer 7

The ability of a pathogen to produce different shaped antigens due to genetic mutations

This can lead to the need for updated vaccines, such as the annual flu vaccine.

Question 8

What differentiates an epidemic from a pandemic?

Answer 8

An epidemic spreads rapidly on a national level, while a pandemic spreads rapidly on a global level

Understanding this distinction is crucial for public health responses.

Question 9

What is the role of mass vaccination programs during an epidemic?

Answer 9

To prevent further spread of the pathogen causing the disease

These programs aim to quickly immunize a large portion of the population.

Question 10

True or False: Vaccines are always effective in the long-term.

Answer 10

False

Pathogens can mutate, which may render existing vaccines less effective.

Question 11

What happens to antibody levels after the primary immune response?

Answer 11

They increase during the secondary immune response

This rapid increase is due to the immune system’s memory of previous exposures.