ATTENUATED VIRUS Meaning and
Definition
-
An attenuated virus refers to a weakened form of a pathogenic virus that has been modified or altered in a laboratory setting to reduce its virulence and pathogenicity, while still retaining the ability to induce an immune response in the host organism. This process is typically achieved through multiple passages of the virus in cell cultures or animal models, allowing the virus to adapt to the new environment and lose its ability to cause severe disease.
Attenuated viruses are widely used in the field of immunology and vaccine development. When administered to a host organism, such as a human or animal, attenuated viruses are capable of replicating in the body and stimulating an immune response. This response triggers the production of antibodies and the activation of immune cells, creating a state of immunity against future infections by the wild-type, virulent form of the virus.
Attenuated viruses have several advantages in vaccine development, as they can provide a long-lasting and robust immune response. However, their use also entails certain risks. Although rare, there is a possibility that the attenuated virus may revert to its pathogenic form and cause disease in individuals with weakened immune systems. Therefore, rigorous safety precautions and extensive testing are vital when developing and administering attenuated vaccines.
-
A virus, or pathogenic microorganism, so modified by heat, cultivation under unfavorable conditions, etc., as to be incapable of producing the specific disease, yet exciting to the production of protective antibodies.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ATTENUATED VIRUS
- attenuated viru3
- attenuated viruc
- attenuated viruq
- attenuated virur
- a ttenuated virus
- at tenuated virus
- att enuated virus
- atte nuated virus
- atten uated virus
- attenu ated virus
- attenua ted virus
- attenuat ed virus
- attenuate d virus
- attenuated v irus
- attenuated vi rus
- attenuated vir us
- attenuated viru s
Etymology of ATTENUATED VIRUS
The word "attenuated" originates from the Latin term "attenuatus", which is the past participle of the verb "attenuare". "Attenuare" is derived from two Latin roots: "ad", meaning "to" or "towards", and "tenuis", meaning "thin" or "slender". Thus, "attenuatus" refers to something that has been made thin or reduced in intensity.
"Virus", on the other hand, comes from Latin as well. It originated from the Latin word "virus", meaning "poison" or "slime". In ancient Rome, it was used to describe the venom of a snake or a toxic substance. Over time, the term expanded to encompass disease-causing agents, particularly those that are microscopic and infectious.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
