Immunologic agents vaccinations

A foil discussion of each of the above categories of biological medicines and related agents covered by each of the categories is beyond the scope of this brief essay. However, ImmunoFacts is the most current and comprehensive collection of immunologic and vaccine information and is continuously updated for clinical application, including side effects [5]. 

Few substances have had a greater positive impact upon human healthcare management than antibodies, vaccines and adjuvants. For most of this century, these immunological agents have enjoyed widespread medical application, predominantly for the treatment/prevention of infectious diseases. As a group, they are often referred to as biologies (Chapter 1). 

Vaccines and related biologic products constitute an important group of agents that bridge the disciplines of microbiology, infectious diseases, immunology, and immunopharmacology. A list of the most important preparations is provided here. The reader who requires more complete information is referred to the sources listed at the end of this appendix. 

Coulson, P.S., Smythies, L.E., Betts, C., Mabbott, N.A., Sternberg, J.M., Wei, X.G., Liew, F.Y. and Wilson, R.A. (1998) Nitric oxide produced in the lungs of mice immunized with the radiation-attenuated schistosome vaccine is not the major agent causing challenge parasite elimination. Immunology 93, 55-63. 

Viral respiratory tract infections for which treatments exist include those of influenza types A and B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). [Note Immunization against influenza A is the preferred approach. However, antiviral agents are employed when patients are allergic to the vaccine or when the outbreak is due to an immunologic variant of the virus not covered by vaccines, or when outbreaks occur among unvaccinated individuals at risk who are in closed settings, for example, in a nursing home.]... 

Immunologicals are all medicines which are either allergens defined cis products used to identify or provoke a specific modification to acquire an immunological response to an antiallergic agent, or vaccines, toxins or sera defined as all agents used to provoke an active or passive immunity to diagnose the state of immunity. 

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