Vaccination and medicines Flashcards
Define a vaccine
an injection containing disease antigens, in order to induce artificial immunity
How do vaccines work?
injecting weakened/dead pathogens into the body to stimulate an immune response,
to form memory cells against the specific antigen, which destroy the pathogen quickly upon infection.
What is herd immunity?
when the vaccination of a significant proportion of the population provides protection for individuals who have not developed immunity
What do vaccines mutating mean?
antigens change suddenly (antigenic variability) So the vaccine is now ineffective to the new antigens.
Ethical considerations of vaccines
side effects, financial cost, right to choose, animal testing of vaccines, human trials
What is active immunity
occurs when specific antibodies are produced
by the individual’s own immune system
What is passive immunity?
occurs when specific antibodies are
introduced to the individual from an outside source.
Type of immunity - direct contact with the pathogen
Natural Active
Type of immunity - antibodies through breastmilk
Natural Passive
Type of immunity - vaccination
Artificial Active
Type of immunity - injection of antibodies
Artificial Passive
What do antibiotics do?
Antibiotics prevent the growth of bacteria. They are effective because they show specificity in killing bacteria without
harming human cells
Problems with antibiotics?
overuse has led to the spread of resistance in bacteria e.g. MRSA. To reduce this, prescription
of antibiotics is controlled, patients must finish their course and prevent spread by control measures
DNA sequencing in medicine
new medicines from DNA sequencing to screen plants and organisms for potential
medical compounds.
DNA sequencing can also be used to develop a specific drug suited to a persons genome
