Immunization: active

The active immunotherapeutic approach is specific and based on the premise that tumor antigens are immunogenic and the host is sufficientiy immunocompetent to mount an effective immune response to an autologous tumor. Theoretically, a weak or suppressed host immune system that had allowed the formation of a tumor may be overridden by active immunization or immunostimulation. In practice, vaccines composed of so-called autologous tumor extracts have been used to treat patients with malignant melanoma (73), and purified melanoma tumor-associated antigens have been used to ehcit antibody responses in melanoma patients (74). 

Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis. These vacciaes Hi combiaatioa (DTP) have beea routiaely used for active immunization of Hifants and young children sHice the 1940s. The recommended schedule calls for immunizations at 2, 4, and 6 months of age with boosters at 18 months and 4—5 years of age. SHice 1993 these vacciaes have beea available Hi combination with a vacciae that protects agaiast Haemophilus disease, thus providing protectioa agaiast four bacterial diseases Hi oae preparatioa. A booster immunization with diphtheria and tetanus only is recommended once every 10 years after the fifth dose. 

PH-20, a guinea pig sperm protein of 64 kD, is present on both the plasma membrane and inner acrosomal membrane of sperm. It is essential for adhesion of sperm to the zona peUucida, the initial step in the fertilization process. Active immunization with PH-20 causes infertility in both male and female guinea pigs for a period ranging from 6 to 15 months (120). 

Vaccine A suspension of attenuated or killed bacteria or virus, or portions thereof, injected to produce active immunity. 

Intracellular single-chain mAbs are supposed to prevent membrane localization of the receptors. Antireceptor mAbs conjugated to radionucleides, or to prodrugs, are tested as well, and DNA vaccines may induce an active immune response against RTK overexpressing tumors. 

Active and passive immunity involve tiie use of agents that stimulate antibody formation (active immunity) or tiie injection of ready-made antibodies found in tiie serum of immune individuals or animals (passive immunity). The following sections describe active and passive immunity. 

Naturally acquired active immunity occurs when the person is exposed to a disease, experiences tiie disease, and tiie body manufactures antibodies to provide future... 

DISPLAY 54-1 Example of Naturally Acquired Active Immunity... 

SUM MARY DRUG TABLE AGENTSFOR ACTIVE IMMUNIZATION... 

Active immunizations against Lyme disease in individuals 15-70 years of age who are at risk of contracting the disease Active immunization against invasive meningococcal disease... 

Immunization against pneumococcal pneumonia and bacteremia caused by the types of pneumococci included in the vaccine Active immunization against Streptococcus pneumoniae for infants and toddlers... 

Selective active immunization against rubella Same as for BOG vaccine Total volume of reconstituted vial SC... 

Selective active immunization against mumps Same as for BCG vaccine 0.5 ml. 9C (total volume of reconstituted vaccine)... 

Active immunization against Same as for BCG vaccine 0.5 mLSC... 

Active immunization against poliovirus Rare malaise, nausea, diarrhea, fever Three doses 0.5 mL PO at specified intervals... 

Active immunizations for the poliovirus Same as for BCG vaccine Three doses of 0.5 mL SC at 2 months, 4 months, and 12-15 months chidren receive a booster dose before entering school... 

Active immunization against the specific influenza virus strains contained in the formulation Same as for BCG vaccine One or two doses of 0.25-0.5 mL IM... 

For active immunization against Japanese encephalitis for individuals older than 1 year Same as for BCG vaccine Three doses given to adults and children > 3 years 1 mLSC on days 0, 7, and 30 children 1-3 years 0.5 mLSC on days 0, 7, and 30... 

Active immunization of individuals 2 months of age and older against disease caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV)... 

Diphtheria and Certiva, Active immunization against Sse adverse reactions for Follow package... 

Vaccine diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis adsorbed, hepatitis B (recombinant) and inactivated poliovirus combined Pediarix Active immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and all known subtypes of hepatitis B virus, and poliomyelitis immunization Sfee adverse reactions against individual vaccines. Primary immunization series 3 doses of 0.5 mLat 6-to 8-week intervals IM (first dose is 2 months of age, but may be given as early as 6 weeks of age)... 

The measles vaccine is considered an immunization. Immunization is a form of artificial active immunity and an important metiiod of controlling some of the infectious diseases tiiat are capable of causing serious and sometimes fatal consequences. The immunization schedule for children is given in Figure 54-2. Currentiy, many infectious diseases may be prevented by vaccine... 

Both vaccines and toxoids are administered to stimulate the immune response within the body to specific antigens or toxins. These agents must be administered before exposure to the pathogenic organism. The initiation of the immune response, in turn, produces resistance to a specific infectious disease. The immunity produced in this manner is active immunity. Display 54-5 gives examples of indications for use of toxoids and vaccines. 

Adverse reactions from the administration of vaccines or toxoids are usually mild. Chills, fever, muscular aches and pains, rash, and lethargy may be present. Pain and tenderness at the injection site may also occur. Although rare, a hypersensitivity reaction may occur. The Summary Drug Table Agents for Active Immunization provides a listing of the more rare, but serious, adverse reactions. 

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