19 Diseases and Immunity 10 and 10.1

A 3 month old baby contracts a virus called whooping cough (pertussis) after receiving the first of a sequence of 3 necessary DPT vaccines designed to prevent 3 diseases (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus). The vaccines are given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age to allow the body to develop specific immunity against these diseases. After the infant recovered from the disease, the doctor informed the parents that from now on the infant would only need the DT (diphtheria, tetanus) part of the vaccine. Why does the infant only need the DT vaccine?

• The infant had the first of a series of vaccines which caused the disease

• The infant had the pertussis disease and has already produced antibodies against the disease.

• The infant had the first of a series of vaccines which protected him from getting the disease.

• The infant had the pertussis disease and will get diphtheria in the future.

Answer explanation

The infant had whooping cough, which means they have already been exposed to the disease and produced antibodies. Therefore, they only need the DT vaccine for diphtheria and tetanus, as they are now immune to pertussis.

What is the term for a strong response to a harmless antigen in the environment?

• An allergy

• Cell-mediated immunity

• An autoimmune disease

• Inflammatory response

Answer explanation

An allergy is a strong immune response to a harmless substance, known as an allergen. This distinguishes it from other immune responses like cell-mediated immunity or autoimmune diseases, which involve different mechanisms.

Many times people visit the doctor requesting antibiotics to treat colds and viral infections. How is the doctor justified in offering the patient treatment options that do not include antibiotics for these cases?

• Colds and viruses should be first treated with viral therapies and then when the body begins to recover, antibiotics can be used. Otherwise, the use of antibiotics is not effective at all.

• Side effects from antibiotics are severe when used for colds and viruses. Any use of antibiotics for colds and viruses will only make the patient more ill and ultimately make the patient's recovery time longer.

• Antibiotics can weaken the immune system when used for colds and viruses, whereas other medications are not so hard on the immune system during these types of illnesses.

• If a doctor provides an antibiotic to treat colds and viruses, any bacteria in the patient's body will be killed, but a few will survive. Those few survivors may become resistant to antibiotics needed for real bacterial illnesses.

Answer explanation

The correct choice explains that using antibiotics for colds and viruses can lead to antibiotic resistance. While antibiotics kill bacteria, some may survive and become resistant, making future bacterial infections harder to treat.

What is the body's first line (non-specific) of defense against infection by foreign organisms?

• antibodies

• lymph nodes

• white blood cells

• the skin

Answer explanation

The skin acts as the body's first line of defense against infections by forming a physical barrier that prevents foreign organisms from entering the body, making it crucial for non-specific immunity.

What are the two parts of the immune system

• Innate and Adaptive

• Passive and Aggressive

• Innate and Non-Specific

• Adaptive and Acquired

Answer explanation

The immune system consists of two main parts: the Innate immune system, which provides immediate defense, and the Adaptive immune system, which develops a targeted response. Therefore, the correct answer is Innate and Adaptive.

What is the scientific name of the causes of infectious diseases?

• Germ

• Pathogen

• Intruder

• Disease

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Pathogen' as it scientifically refers to any organism that can cause disease, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. 'Germ' is a colloquial term, while 'Intruder' and 'Disease' do not specifically denote the causative agents.

A protein that attacks antigens is called:

• Antibody

• Immune response

• Inflammatory Response

• Vector

Answer explanation

An antibody is a specific protein produced by the immune system that binds to antigens, helping to neutralize or eliminate them. This makes 'antibody' the correct answer, as it directly describes the protein that attacks antigens.

What is a vaccine?

• A weakened pathogen injected in the body to produce immunity

• Temporary immunity that develops as natural exposure

• An overreaction of the immune system

• Medicine that helps after you're infected

Answer explanation

A vaccine is a weakened pathogen injected into the body to stimulate the immune system, leading to immunity. This distinguishes it from temporary immunity from natural exposure or treatments for existing infections.

The purpose of the immune system is to:

• Help germs invade your body

• Fight off sickness

• Make your nose run

• Give you diarrhea

Answer explanation

The immune system's primary role is to fight off sickness by identifying and eliminating pathogens, thus protecting the body from infections. The other options do not accurately describe its purpose.

Which is an example of passive immunity?

• You have been infected

• You have been vaccinated

• You made antibodies

• You got your mother's antibodies

Answer explanation

Passive immunity occurs when antibodies are transferred from one individual to another. 'You got your mother's antibodies' is an example, as it involves receiving pre-formed antibodies, unlike the other options which involve active immunity.