Vaccines: Defense and History Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of vaccination in public health?

To mobilize the host immune system against specific pathogens (correct)

To eliminate all pathogens from the environment

To serve as a treatment for currently infected individuals

To provide immediate immunity to all exposed individuals

Which characteristic differentiates natural passive immunity from artificial passive immunity?

Artificial passive immunity is generated through direct exposure to pathogens.

Natural passive immunity is induced by vaccines.

Natural passive immunity typically lasts longer than artificial.

Artificial passive immunity involves antibodies transferred from another individual. (correct)

In the context of immunological responses, how do memory B and T cells contribute to secondary immune responses?

They only activate upon first exposure to a pathogen.

They inhibit the response to new pathogens.

They enhance the response to previously encountered pathogens. (correct)

They are responsible for immediate hypersensitivity reactions.

What distinguishes a conjugate vaccine from other types of vaccines?

It contains polysaccharides attached to a protein to enhance immunogenicity. Signup and view all the answers

How do the characteristics of a pathogen impact the effectiveness of vaccination?

Localized pathogens create a greater challenge for vaccine-induced immunity compared to systemic pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common misconception about the smallpox vaccine after its introduction?

It would lead to the development of cow parts. Signup and view all the answers

What was the fatality rate associated with variolation for smallpox?

2-3% Signup and view all the answers

How did the smallpox vaccine contribute to global health?

It saved approximately 5 million lives per year. Signup and view all the answers

What defines vaccine hesitancy?

Avoidance of vaccinations despite availability and accessibility. Signup and view all the answers

What role do vaccines play in public health measures?

They substantially reduce disease severity but do not prevent all infections. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary immunization method utilized by Edward Jenner?

Deliberate nasal inoculation with cowpox. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding passive and active immunizations?

Only active immunizations lead to long-term immunity. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the population should ideally have medical exemptions to vaccinations?

1% or less Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which active vaccination induces immunity?

Modified forms of pathogens or derived materials Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about passive immunization is true?

It administers pre-formed antibodies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significant benefit of vaccinating pregnant women against RSV?

It provides short-term protection to the infant. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of COVID-19, what is convalescent serum used for?

As a first therapy during the emergence of new pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding Nirsevima is correct?

It is approved for use in infants. Signup and view all the answers

What type of virus is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) known to cause?

Bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children. Signup and view all the answers

How does natural passive immunization primarily occur in humans?

Via transfer of IgG through the placenta. Signup and view all the answers

What intervention is part of the new active vaccine strategy against RSV introduced in 2023?

A vaccine using recombinant prefusion F protein. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical outcome of Respiratory Syncytial Virus infection in young children?

Severe illness requiring hospitalization in 1-2% of cases. Signup and view all the answers

Which therapeutic method involves the use of plasma from recovered patients?

Passive therapy with convalescent serum. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vaccines: Proven Defense

Vaccines stimulate the host immune system to prevent disease by triggering immune memory.
Vaccines help break the chain of transmission.
The ability of a vaccination to interrupt transmission depends on the length of the pathogen's incubation period and whether the pathogen has a systemic stage or remains localized to the mucosa.

Vaccine History

Variolation, nasal inoculation with dried smallpox scabs, was practiced in China in the 11th century.
Edward Jenner, in 1796, was the first to use "cowpox" to protect against smallpox.
Vaccinia virus (used for Vaccinations) triggers production of antibodies that cross-react with smallpox/Variola virus antigens.

Vaccine Impact on Public Health

WHO estimates 2-3 million lives are saved each year by immunization programs.
Vaccines are a major part of public health measures, but are often less available or even left effective in developing nations.

Vaccine Hesitancy

Medical exemptions to vaccinations are generally indicated only in extreme cases, such as SCID for rotavirus vaccine.
Such exemptions should not exceed ~1% of the population.

Passive Immunization

Administering the products of the immune response (typically antibodies) provides short-term protection due to antibody degradation.
Includes Natural and Artificial Passive Immunization.

Active Immunization

Administering a modified form of the pathogen or material derived from it that induces immunity provides longer-term protection.

Natural Passive Immunization

IgG in maternal circulation is transmitted to the fetus in utero through the placenta.
Vaccination of pregnant women can confer protection to the baby during the first 6 months of life.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

It can cause bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
Nearly all children are infected with RSV by age 2.
1-2% of RSV cases result in hospitalization, requiring oxygen, intubation, and/or mechanical ventilation.

Prevention of RSV Disease

Active Vaccination: ABYSRVO, a new vaccine, uses recombinant prefusion F protein for protection.
This vaccine is recommended for use during pregnancy, administered between 32-36 weeks of gestation.
Artificial Passive Immunity: Nirsevima is a newly approved passive immunotherapy for infants.

Convalescent Plasma and Monoclonal Antibodies

Plasma is the liquid part of blood that remains after cells are removed.
Monoclonal antibodies are antibodies against single epitopes that can block infection. These were initially used for COVID-19 treatment before the emergence of resistant variants.

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Description

Test your knowledge on vaccines, their history, and impact on public health. This quiz covers key milestones in vaccine development, including the pioneering work of Edward Jenner, and explores the critical role of vaccines in saving lives worldwide. Additionally, understand the challenges of vaccine hesitancy in modern society.