Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
A medical condition where the immune system cannot function properly and protect the body from disease. As a result, the body cannot defend itself against infections (like pneumonia). AIDS is casued by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The virus is spread through direct contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected individual. High risk activities include unprotected sexual intercourse and intravenous drug use (sharing needles). There is no cure for AIDS. However, research efforts are on-going to develop a vaccine.
Adjuvant
is a compound used to increase antigenicity and to prolong the stimulatory effect of vaccines particularly of those containing inactivated microorganisms or their products (eg diphtheri and tetanus toxoids).
AEFI
Adverse effects following immunisation
Allergy
A condition in which the body has an exaggerated response to a substance (eg food or drug). Also known as hypersensitivity antibodies. Proteins produced by the body to neutralise or destroy toxins and disease-carrying organisms.
Antigen
An antigen is defined as anything that provokes an immune response, which is specific to that material. It can be a single molecule, or a more complex structure such as a bacteria or virus.
Antitoxin
is a solution of antibodies derived from the serum of animals immunised with specifice antigens (eg diphtheria antitoxin) used to achieve passive immunity or for treatment.
Attenuated
Weakened pathogens (organisms that produce disease eg a virus) are attenuated to make them safe when used in a vaccine.
Autism
A lifelong disability that affects the way a person communicated and relates to other people. It usually involves poor social interaction, poor social communication and limited imagination.
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