Final answer:
Active immunity can be artificially acquired through the administration of a vaccine, which contains a killed or weakened pathogen. This induces the body to create antibodies and form immunological memory without causing illness, leading to long-term protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Active immunity is a form of resistance to pathogens that develops within an individual as a result of an adaptive immune response. It involves the body's production of antibodies and the establishment of immunological memory, providing long-lasting protection against specific pathogens. Artificially acquired active immunity is achieved through vaccination, a process that involves the intentional introduction of a vaccine containing a killed or weakened form of the disease-causing pathogen.
Vaccines stimulate the immune system to recognize and mount a defense against the specific pathogen without causing the actual disease. This process triggers the production of antibodies and the activation of immune cells. Over time, as the immune system responds to the vaccine, it develops immunological memory, ensuring a rapid and effective response upon subsequent exposure to the same pathogen.
The significance of artificially acquired active immunity through vaccination cannot be overstated. Vaccines have played a crucial role in preventing and controlling infectious diseases. Examples include the eradication of smallpox, the near-elimination of polio in many regions, and the control of diseases like measles and whooping cough. Vaccination programs have been instrumental in reducing the incidence and severity of these illnesses, contributing to public health efforts worldwide and saving countless lives. The ability to induce active immunity through vaccination stands as one of the most impactful medical advances, demonstrating the power of harnessing the body's immune system for disease prevention and control.