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When
the body is exposed to bacteria and viruses, the immune system provides
specific proteins called immunoglobulins or 'antibodies' to help fight
the infection. Each antibody is constructed
to specifically match three-dimensional surface structures on the
specific virus or bacteria. Antibody attachment enhances the body?s
response to kill the invading organism. Early work with immunization occurred using the Vaccinia virus, hence the term vaccination. The concept of vaccination is that a small dose of a modified or killed virus or bacteria is exposed to the immune system. This usually involves an injection. The immune system then responds by producing antibodies that are very specific for that virus or bacteria. When
vaccination is successful, an individual is 'immunize-ized' because the
immune system is prepared for the next exposure and can mount an
effective defense very quickly. The organism-specific immunoglobulin can be measured. This is what we do when we perform an antibody titer. The titer is simply a designation of the way the quantity of antibody is measured. When antibodies are present, we know the body is prepared (immunize-ized) for any future exposure. By regularly measuring these antibodies, we then have the confidence to avoid unnecessary vaccinations. Actually,
measuring antibody levels gives us a better assurance of the immunity
to specific viruses than just repeating vaccinations. |