By Adam on April 1st, 2007

Immunity

How does the body fight infection? What are vaccinations and how do they work? Find out in this interesting and easy to understand article.

Natural Immunity is where a person’s white blood cells have been sensitised to a particular microbe. They will be able to make antibodies much quicker the next time the microbe invades.
Antibiotics: Penicillin (PCN) is an antibiotic which is produced naturally by a type of fungus. It is used to cure bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms but does not have an effect on viruses. Overuse of antibiotics leads to the antibiotic resistant “super bacteria”. This means new antibiotics have to be continually developed.
Immunisation sensitises the white blood cells which means they can respond very quickly if the body is infected with an active microbe.
New born babies get protection from disease from antibodies which pass through the placenta to the developing foetus and through breast milk.
Edward Jenner developed an antibiotic to small pox. He did this by infecting people with cow pox, which is similar but not harmful.

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