Biology · General Awareness

Vaccination and Immunity

997 Questions

This hub presents questions focused on vaccination and human immunity. It covers essential topics such as herd immunity, non-specific immunity, antigens, and historical vaccine developments. These concepts are crucial for general science sections in medical and civil service exams.

Herd immunity functionsNon-specific immunitySmallpox vaccinationInterferon proteinsAntigen propertiesImmunological amnesia

Vaccination and Immunity Questions

Multiple choice

Smallpox is a disease caused by the Variola major virus. Edward Jenner vaccinated against smallpox by using

  1. killed smallpox virus

  2. a recombinant protein derived from smallpox

  3. an unrelated virus

  4. toxoids

  5. cowpox
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

The smooth unblemished skin of milkmaids gave Jenner the idea of using cowpox. The cowpox virus is non-virulent in man but shares antigens with the related smallpox virus and is therefore able to elicit protection against subsequent infection with smallpox.

Multiple choice

The BCG vaccine gives protection against�

  1. Polio

  2. Small pox

  3. Tuberculosis

  4. Rabies
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) vaccine primarily protects against tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs. It is part of routine immunization in many countries with high TB prevalence.

Multiple choice

Triple vaccine is administered to a new born child to immunise him against

  1. whooping cough, tetanus and measles

  2. whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria

  3. tetanus, measles and rubella

  4. tetanus, diphtheria and smallpox

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) vaccine combines protection against three bacterial diseases. Diphtheria affects the throat and respiratory system, pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious respiratory infection, and tetanus causes muscle stiffness and spasms. This triple vaccine is part of routine childhood immunization worldwide.

Multiple choice

DPT vaccination is for immunization against

  1. diphtheria, pneumonia and typhoid

  2. diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus

  3. diarrhea, pneumonia and tetanus

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The DPT vaccine is a combination vaccine that provides protection against three highly infectious diseases: Diphtheria, Pertussis (whooping cough), and Tetanus.

Multiple choice

The author argues that just as rabies vaccine is given to every person bitten to protect the few who might actually contract the disease, mass vaccinating is needed against Hepatitis to protect the significant number who are susceptible to the life-threatening effects of the disease.

  1. just as rabies vaccine is given to every person bitten to protect the few who might actually contract the disease

  2. like rabies vaccine, which is given to every person bitten to protect the few who might contract the disease

  3. similar to rabies vaccine which is given to every person bitten in order to protect the few who might actually contract the disease

  4. while, to protect the few who might actually contract the disease, rabies vaccine is given to every person bitten

  5. similar to the giving of rabies vaccine to every person bitten in order to protect the few who might contract the disease actually
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

'Like' is used to compare nouns or noun phrases. In this example the actions of two clauses are compared so 'as' is the more relevant construct here. 'Similar' is used only in the cases where things are actually alike not the case in this sentence. Hence (1).

Multiple choice

Directions: The following question is followed by four options.Choose the option that belongs to the same group.

Which of the following is the same as measles, rabies and cancer?

  1. Pneumonia

  2. Diabetes

  3. Tetanus

  4. Hepatitis
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Measles and rabies are specific diseases caused by viruses. Hepatitis is also a viral disease, making it the most appropriate addition to the group. While cancer is a broad term for many diseases, hepatitis fits the pattern of specific named medical conditions.

Multiple choice

______ is active against whooping cough diphtheria and large viruses.

  1. Penicillin

  2. Ergot

  3. Erythromycin

  4. Ephedrine
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic effective against the bacteria causing whooping cough and diphtheria. Historically, it was also noted for its activity against certain large pathogens once classified as large viruses, such as Chlamydia. Penicillin is less effective against these specific respiratory infections.

Multiple choice

Vaccination against H1N1 virus is in the advanced stage of development and it is likely that the vaccine will be commercially marketed by the year end. But some scientists are not greatly enthused by the development of vaccine although they admit that it will certainly lead to immediate gains.

Which of the following helps resolve the apparently paradoxical situation?

  1. The vaccine has not passed the human test yet.

  2. Such viruses are known to metamorphose through mutation.

  3. The same vaccination will not be effective against other viruses like H5N1 (bird flu)

  4. The vaccine is likely to cost a lot initially.

  5. The vaccine will be effective only if administered at least a month before facing the viral attack.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Though scientists are confident of immediate gains, they also fear that the virus will mutate and the vaccine will be ineffective against the mutated virus.

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose a correct option from the following. Antigen

  1. is used to treat poisoning

  2. destroys harmful bacteria

  3. lowers metabolism rate

  4. stimulates formation of antibody
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

An antigen is a substance that the body recognizes as foreign, triggering an immune response. This response includes the production of specific antibodies to neutralize or eliminate the antigen.