Attenuation
Definition
Attenuation is the process of reducing the virulence or severity of a virus. This makes the virus less capable of causing disease but still able to trigger an immune response.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Attenuated viruses are often used in vaccines to stimulate an immune response without causing serious illness.
- The attenuation process can be achieved through various methods, including passage through different host species or genetic modification.
- Attenuated vaccines typically provide long-lasting immunity with fewer doses compared to inactivated vaccines.
- While attenuated viruses are generally safe, they may not be suitable for individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Examples of diseases for which attenuated vaccines are used include measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR vaccine).
Review Questions
- What is attenuation and how does it relate to viral vaccines?
- What are some methods used to achieve virus attenuation?
- Why might attenuated vaccines be unsuitable for immunocompromised individuals?
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Related terms
Virulence: The degree of pathogenicity or ability of a microorganism to cause disease.
Vaccine: A biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease.
Inactivated Vaccine: A type of vaccine made from a virus that has been killed and cannot cause disease.
