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What is Artificial Immunity?

D. Waldman
D. Waldman

Artificial immunity is a means by which the body is given immunity to a disease through intentional exposure to small quantities of it. The most common form of artificial immunity is classified as active and comes in the form of vaccinations, typically give to children and young adults. The passive form of artificial immunity involves introducing an antibody into the system once a person has already been infected with a disease, ultimately relieving the present symptoms of the sickness and preventing re-occurrence.

The first record of artificial immunity was in relation to a disease known as smallpox. Individuals were exposed to a minor strain of smallpox in a controlled environment. Once their bodies built up a natural immunity or resistance to the weakened strain of smallpox, they became much less likely to become infected with the more deadly strains of smallpox. In essence, patients were given the disease in order to help fight it later in life. Although this method was an effective one, the scientists of the time had no real scientific knowledge of why it worked.

A syringe used to administer vaccines, which provide artificial immunity.
A syringe used to administer vaccines, which provide artificial immunity.

Louis Pasteur was the famous inventor who created the germ theory of diseases. His work showed that diseases are often carried by bacteria and that once the bacteria entered the body, there were several natural reactions that would begin to fight them off. Once the body had successfully rid itself of the disease, a second infection with the same bacteria would prove harmless. Pasteur's theories proved that once the body learns to fight specific diseases, it is then able to prevent reinfection on its own.

Artificial immunity refers to certain diseases that are only able to be vaccinated on a short-term basis.
Artificial immunity refers to certain diseases that are only able to be vaccinated on a short-term basis.

One of the biggest complications with Pasteur's theory of creating artificial immunity was that certain diseases, such as smallpox, were caused by strains of bacteria that were able to mutate themselves slowly over time. The mutability of these bacteria often resulted in the need for multiple vaccinations. As the bacteria underwent major changes, a new vaccine would have to be developed to give people the ability to fight new strains. This is the primary reason that common diseases, such as influenza, often require a new vaccination every year.

Medical researchers are incertain as to whether the smallpox vaccine provides lifelong immunity.
Medical researchers are incertain as to whether the smallpox vaccine provides lifelong immunity.

With regards to passive artificial immunity, there are some diseases, such as tetanus, that are only able to be vaccinated on a short-term basis. Unlike a smallpox vaccination that can potentially protect the body from smallpox indefinitely, a tetanus vaccination only provides artificial immunity for a period of around seven years. The bacteria causing the disease itself does not necessarily mutate as it does with influenza; rather, the immunity the vaccination creates has a limited period of effectiveness.

Discussion Comments

Kat919

@MissDaphne - I agree with you that the chickenpox vaccine is a good idea to keep kids from getting chickenpox now (which can be dangerous, especially to kids with weakened immune systems - we should all do our part to protect each other) and shingles later.

But if you have already had chickenpox, it doesn't mean that you are doomed to being vulnerable to shingles. There is a new vaccine just for shingles! The CDC recommends it for adults over 60 and it is approved for anyone over 50.

They say you should get it even if you don't remember having had chickenpox, because 99% of older adults *did* have it, even if they don't remember. And even if you have had shingles before, getting the vaccine can keep it from coming back. We watched my grandmother really suffer from shingles and now that my parents are getting older, they are both getting the vaccine.

MissDaphne

It seems like artificial immunity can have some advantages over natural immunity in some cases. For instance, if you have had chicken pox as a child, you're at risk for shingles - the virus lives in your body for the rest of your life. Shingles is awfully painful and can be dangerous for older adults.

But if you have had the chicken pox (varicella) vaccine instead, then you are not vulnerable to shingles because you never actually had the virus. It seems strange that catching chicken pox is no longer a childhood milestone, but perhaps it's for the best!

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    • A syringe used to administer vaccines, which provide artificial immunity.
      By: RTimages
      A syringe used to administer vaccines, which provide artificial immunity.
    • Artificial immunity refers to certain diseases that are only able to be vaccinated on a short-term basis.
      By: robyelo357
      Artificial immunity refers to certain diseases that are only able to be vaccinated on a short-term basis.
    • Medical researchers are incertain as to whether the smallpox vaccine provides lifelong immunity.
      By: Jaimie Duplass
      Medical researchers are incertain as to whether the smallpox vaccine provides lifelong immunity.
    • Because flu viruses evolve rapidly, medical researchers must continually develop new vaccines that are effective.
      By: Syda Productions
      Because flu viruses evolve rapidly, medical researchers must continually develop new vaccines that are effective.
    • Common diseases, such as influenza, often require a new vaccination every year.
      By: David Stuart
      Common diseases, such as influenza, often require a new vaccination every year.
    • Without artificial immunity, infectious diseases can quickly spread among family members and others in the community.
      By: Creativa
      Without artificial immunity, infectious diseases can quickly spread among family members and others in the community.