Active immunization is the process in which the immune system is stimulated to produce antibodies against a specific pathogen. The spelling of "immunization" can be confusing because it is commonly spelled with an "s" in British English and a "z" in American English. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ˈæktɪv/ /ɪˌmjʊnɪˈzeɪʃən/, with stress on the first syllable of "active" and the third syllable of "immunization". This spelling highlights the differences in pronunciation between the two words.
Active immunization is a preventive approach that involves the stimulation of the immune system to produce an effective response against specific pathogens or diseases. It typically involves administering a vaccine containing either inactivated or attenuated forms of the infectious agent, or specific components of the pathogen such as proteins or polysaccharides.
The primary goal of active immunization is to trigger an immune response in the body that leads to the production of antibodies, specialized proteins that can neutralize or destroy the targeted pathogen. The immune response generated by active immunization is durable, as memory cells are generated that become activated upon exposure to the pathogen in the future, resulting in a rapid and efficient response.
Active immunization can provide long-term immunity against a wide range of infectious diseases, including viral, bacterial, and even some parasitic infections. It has played a vital role in the prevention and control of various diseases, such as polio, measles, hepatitis, and influenza.
This method of immunization is known for its ability to protect individuals and populations by significantly reducing the incidence, severity, and transmission of infectious diseases. It is considered a crucial strategy in public health, as it contributes to the development of herd immunity, wherein a sufficient proportion of the population is immune to prevent widespread outbreaks.
Overall, active immunization is a powerful method that leverages the body's immune response to safeguard individuals against specific pathogens, offering long-lasting protection against various infectious diseases.
The production of active immunity.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "active" in the context of immunization comes from the Latin word "activus", which means "energetic" or "causing action". "Immunization" is derived from the Latin word "immunis", which means "exempt" or "free". The combination of these two words, "active immunization", refers to the process of introducing an antigen into the body to trigger an immune response, resulting in the production of antibodies and long-lasting immunity against a specific pathogen.