active immunization

Also known as: active immunity, vaccination

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Assorted References

  • major reference
    • immune stimulation by activated helper T cells
      In immune system: Active immunization

      Active immunization aims to ensure that a sufficient supply of antibodies or T and B cells that react against a potential infectious agent or toxin are present in the body before infection occurs or the toxin is encountered. Once it has been primed,…

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  • antibody production
    • DPT vaccine
      In immunization: Active immunization

      Active immunization stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against a particular infectious agent. Active immunity can arise naturally, as when someone is exposed to a pathogen. For example, an individual who recovers from a first case of the measles is immune to further infection…

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  • antimicrobial agents
    • iodine
      In antimicrobial agent: Other antimicrobials

      Vaccination is the administration of harmless amounts of disease-causing microorganisms into animals, including humans, to prevent diseases. (See vaccine.) Sterile filtration usually removes large microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, and their spores) from heat-sensitive solutions, but this physical method does not effectively remove small infectious microorganisms…

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  • biological weapon defense
  • vaccines
    • vaccine
      In vaccine

      A vaccine can confer active immunity against a specific harmful agent by stimulating the immune system to attack the agent. Once stimulated by a vaccine, the antibody-producing cells, called B cells (or B lymphocytes), remain sensitized and ready to respond to the agent should it ever gain entry to…

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viral infectious diseases

  • West Nile virus
    In infectious disease: Viruses

    Vaccination has been the most successful weapon against viral infection; some infections may be treated with antiviral drugs or interferon (proteins that interfere with viral proliferation).

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