ATTENUATED VACCINES Meaning and
Definition
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Attenuated vaccines are a type of vaccine that contain living microorganisms (typically viruses or bacteria) that have been weakened or modified to reduce their disease-causing ability while retaining their ability to generate an immune response in the recipient.
The process of attenuation involves altering the genetic makeup of the microorganism so that it replicates and grows less effectively, resulting in a milder infection or disease manifestation when administered. This can be achieved through various methods, such as serially passaging the microorganism in cell cultures or animals, irradiation, or genetic engineering techniques. By reducing the virulence or pathogenicity of the microorganism, attenuated vaccines are designed to provide immunity to the specific disease without causing severe illness in the recipient.
When an attenuated vaccine is administered, the weakened microorganism enters the body and begins to replicate, stimulating the immune system to mount a response. This triggers the production of antibodies and the activation of immune cells, which help in fighting off the weakened microorganism and subsequently building immunity against the specific disease. As a result, the individual vaccinated with an attenuated vaccine develops a robust and long-lasting immune response, similar to that obtained from a natural infection, without experiencing the severe symptoms associated with the disease.
Examples of attenuated vaccines include the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, oral polio vaccine (OPV), and varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. However, it is important to note that due to the live nature of attenuated vaccines, they may not be suitable for individuals with weakened immune systems or certain medical conditions.
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Etymology of ATTENUATED VACCINES
The word "attenuated" comes from the Latin word "attenuare", which means "to make thin" or "to weaken". In the context of vaccines, "attenuated" refers to the process of intentionally weakening or reducing the virulence or pathogenicity of a microorganism, usually a virus or bacterium, to create a vaccine.
The term "vaccine" itself derives from the Latin word "vaccinus", which means "of or from cows". This term originated from the work of Edward Jenner, an English physician who developed the first vaccine against smallpox in the late 18th century. Jenner noticed that milkmaids who had contracted cowpox, a similar but milder disease, seemed to be protected against smallpox.
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