Immunology: Pharmacology - Immunisation

Question 1

Define active immunisation

Answer 1

Administration of antigen to host to induce formation of antibodies and cell-mediated immunity

Question 2

Define passive immunisation

Answer 2

Transfer of immunity to a host using preformed immunologic products (i.e. immunoglobulin)

Question 3

Four settings in which passive immunisation is used

Answer 3

1. Individuals unable to form antibodies (e.g. agammaglobulinaemia)
2. When time does not permit active immunisation (e.g. post-exposure)
3. Treatment of diseases normally prevented by immunisation (e.g. tetanus)
4. Treatment of conditions for which active immunisation is unavailable (e.g. snakebite)

Question 4

Outline the Australian immunisation schedule

Answer 4

Question 5

Three live vaccines

Answer 5

1. Rotavirus
2. MMR
3. Varicella

Question 6

Nine examples of passive immunisation and their indications

Answer 6

1. HAV: pre- or post-exposure
2. HBV: post-exposure
3. Kawasaki: prevention of coronary aneurysms
4. Measles: post-exposure
5. Rabies: post-exposure
6. Tetanus: post-exposure or treatment
7. Rho(D)
8. Monovalent antivenom
9. Polyvalent antivenom: if species unknown

Question 7

How is monovalent antivenom produced?

Answer 7

By injection of horse, sheep, goat or cat with snake or spider venom