ACTIVE AND PASSIVE IMMUNIZATION

IMMUNIZATION


Immunization is the process by which an individual's immune system becomes fortified against an foreign agent. Immunization is of 2 types: Active Immunization Passive Immunization

ACTIVE IMMUNIZATION


Active immunization involves the introduction of foreign antigens into the body, which causes the T cells and B cells of the body to generate immunity against the antigen.

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Active immunization is achieved by : Injecting dead organisms which are unable to cause disease e.g. against typhoid fever , diphtheria ,whooping cough and other bacterial diseases. Introducing chemically modified toxins e.g. for tetanus ,botulism and other toxic diseases. By infecting with attenuated organisms e.g. against smallpox,yellow fever,poliomyelitis,measles and other viral diseases.

PASSIVE IMMUNIZATION


Passive immunization is done by infusing antiantibodies,activated T-cells, both obtained from blood cells,or of some one else or from some other animal that has been actively immunized against the antigen. Antibodies last for 2 to 3 weeks. Activated T-cell last for few weeks or few hours to days depending upon transfusion from a human or animal respectively.