Attenuated Vaccines Overview

Questions and Answers

What is the primary mechanism of action for live attenuated vaccines in the body?

They destroy pathogens present in the body.

They provide immediate immunity without cellular response.

They rely on artificial components to elicit immune responses.

They encourage the body to produce antibodies and memory immune cells. (correct)

Which of the following individuals should generally avoid receiving live attenuated vaccines?

Individuals with mild chronic illnesses.

Household contacts of immunocompromised individuals.

Individuals who have received vaccinations in the past.

Individuals with severe immunodeficiencies. (correct)

Which of these is NOT a common example of a live attenuated vaccine?

Measles

Rubella

Yellow fever

Influenza (inactivated) (correct)

What is a major safety consideration for administering live attenuated vaccines during pregnancy?

Potential adverse effects on fetuses and nursing babies. Signup and view all the answers

What are the expected advantages of live attenuated vaccines?

They precisely mimic natural infections and produce strong immune responses. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of inactivated vaccines over live attenuated vaccines?

They are safer for immunocompromised individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT used to produce whole pathogen inactivated vaccines?

Detergent disruption Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about subunit vaccines is true?

They are made from purified parts of the viral pathogen Signup and view all the answers

What makes recombinant subunit vaccines different from traditional subunit vaccines?

They are made using another organism to produce the vaccine antigen Signup and view all the answers

What is one disadvantage of subunit vaccines compared to inactivated vaccines?

They require more complex manufacturing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Attenuated Vaccines

Induce a robust and lasting immune response, providing quick immunity.
Generally contraindicated for individuals with severe immunodeficiencies (e.g., HIV, chemotherapy patients).
Function by prompting the production of antibodies and memory cells against specific pathogens.
Common examples include measles, mumps, rubella, yellow fever, and certain influenza vaccines.
Activate both cellular and humoral immune responses of the adaptive immune system.

Safety of Live-Attenuated Vaccines

Safe and effective with long-lasting immunity; severe adverse reactions are rare among WHO-recommended vaccines.
Very low risk of viruses reverting to pathogenic forms.
Immunocompromised individuals typically unable to develop a safe immune response to live-attenuated vaccines.
Household contacts of immunodeficient individuals can safely receive most attenuated vaccines.
Live-attenuated vaccines not recommended during pregnancy due to risks to the fetus, specifically varicella and yellow fever vaccines.

Inactivated (Killed) Vaccines

Created by killing pathogens using heat, chemicals, or radiation; inactivation methods include formaldehyde and beta-Propiolactone.
Split virus vaccines use detergents to disrupt viral envelopes, commonly used in many influenza vaccines.
More stable than live vaccines, facilitating easier storage and transport.
Cannot revert to virulent forms, making them safer for immunocompromised individuals.

Subunit Vaccines

Composed of purified parts of viral pathogens, specifically antigenic parts necessary for immune response.
Generated from disassembled viral particles or through recombinant technology using other organisms to produce vaccine antigens.
Safer and more stable due to lack of live components, reducing the risk of disease introduction.
Effective in provoking strong antibody and cell-mediated reactions.
Require only one or two doses, providing quick immunity onset and cost-effectiveness.
Disadvantages include complex manufacturing and potential natural mutations during replication.

General Considerations

Inactivated vaccines suitable for individuals who cannot receive live attenuated versions (e.g., elderly, immunocompromised).
Proper inactivation is crucial; any failure in the process can result in dangerous infectious particles remaining in the vaccine.
Examples of inactivated vaccines include those for influenza, polio (IPV), rabies, and hepatitis A.

Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of attenuated vaccines, including their mechanism of action and the immune response they elicit. It also highlights the specific patient considerations and provides examples of common live attenuated vaccines. Test your knowledge on this vital area of immunology.