Artificial and Natural Immunity

Artificial and natural immunity

Immunity is the body’s protective reaction to the effects of pathogenic microorganisms or other harmful factors, which prevents the development of a disease or helps the body cope with it. Immunity can be natural or artificial.

Natural immunity is immunity that is present in the body from birth. It is provided by the protective function of the skin and mucous membranes, as well as by the action of white blood cells - phagocytes, which are capable of destroying bacteria and viruses. In addition, the body has natural defense mechanisms, such as enzymes, iron salts and other substances, that prevent the development of infection.

Natural active immunity is acquired after successfully overcoming the disease. As a result, antibodies are formed in the body, which remain in the blood for some time and support the immune memory of lymphocytes. Thus, the body acquires protection against re-infection with this disease.

Natural passive immunity is acquired during the embryonic period and during lactation. The fetus receives maternal antibodies through the placenta, and the newborn absorbs them with mother's milk. This provides protection against infections during the first months of life.

Artificial immunity can be active or passive. Active artificial immunity is acquired by introducing into the body a vaccine that contains weakened or killed microorganisms or their components. The vaccine stimulates the body's immune system to produce antibodies against the pathogen. As a result of this, if an infection subsequently occurs, the body will be protected from it.

Passive artificial immunity is achieved by introducing into the body serum containing ready-made antibodies against the causative agent of the disease. This method is used to treat people who already have a certain disease. The serum neutralizes toxins and antigens that cause disease and helps the body fight infection.

Vaccination and serum administration are methods of medical science that help protect the body from dangerous infections. The use of these methods can prevent many diseases and reduce the risk of their spread.

However, in some cases, immunity may be impaired, leading to the development of immunodeficiency conditions. This condition is characterized by a reduced ability of the body to fight infections and other harmful factors. One example of this condition is “bubble babies,” who suffer from extreme immune deficiency. They lack immune defense mechanisms, and even a minor microbe can cause severe infections in them.

In such cases, the only treatment option is a bone marrow transplant taken from a parent or twin brother. This procedure allows you to replace damaged bone marrow, which does not contain enough immune cells, with healthy bone marrow. As a result, the body begins to produce a sufficient number of immune cells that provide normal immunity.

Thus, immunity plays an important role in protecting the body from infections and other harmful factors. Natural artificial immunity has its own characteristics and is used in various situations. Vaccination and serum administration are effective methods for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. However, extreme immune deficiency requires serious intervention of medical science and can only be treated by bone marrow transplant.