Immunisation
Immunisation
Immunisation (pronunciation: /ˌɪm.juː.naɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/) is a process by which an individual's immune system becomes fortified against an agent (known as the immunogen).
Etymology
The term "immunisation" originates from the Latin word "immunis", which means "exempt" or "free". It was first used in the context of medicine in the late 19th century.
Definition
Immunisation is a biological process where specific antibodies are produced or administered to provide immunity against specific diseases. This is typically achieved through vaccination, which introduces a weakened or dead form of the disease-causing organism into the body.
Related Terms
- Vaccination: The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce immunity to a specific disease.
- Antibodies: Proteins produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances.
- Immunogen: A substance capable of inducing an immune response.
- Immunity: The ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin by the action of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells.
Types of Immunisation
Immunisation can be achieved in two ways: active immunisation and passive immunisation.
- Active Immunisation: This involves exposure to a live, weakened, or inactivated disease-causing agent, such as a virus or bacteria. The body responds by producing antibodies that will fight off future infections.
- Passive Immunisation: This involves the administration of pre-formed antibodies. This can provide immediate protection against a disease but does not provide long-lasting immunity.
Importance of Immunisation
Immunisation is a key component of preventive medicine and public health. It has led to the eradication or control of several infectious diseases, including smallpox, polio, and measles. Immunisation not only protects individuals but also benefits the wider community through herd immunity.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Immunisation
- Wikipedia's article - Immunisation
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski