Which of the following is a viral vaccine?

AIIMS Bhopal NO - 2018 (Shift-1st)

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Bhopal NO - 2018 (Shift-1st)

Explanation

The Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is designed to protect against poliomyelitis, a disease caused by the poliovirus.
It is classified as a live attenuated viral vaccine, meaning it contains weakened, non-disease-causing forms of the live virus.
When administered, these weakened viruses replicate in the intestine and stimulate the body's immune system to produce specific antibodies against the poliovirus, providing long-lasting immunity.

Option A: The Cholera vaccine is a bacterial vaccine, not a viral one. It provides protection against the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
Option B: Bacilli Calmette Guerin (BCG) is a live attenuated bacterial vaccine. It is used to protect against tuberculosis, which is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Option C: Tetanus toxoid is a toxoid vaccine, not a viral vaccine. It is prepared from the inactivated toxin of the bacterium Clostridium tetani and protects against tetanus.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vaccine Classification (Viral vs. Bacterial/Toxoid) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must understand vaccine types to ensure correct storage (e.g., live vaccines are often more sensitive to heat), administration routes, and scheduling under the National Immunization Schedule.
Knowing the vaccine type is crucial for patient education, especially when explaining potential side effects or contraindications. For example, live vaccines like OPV are generally contraindicated in immunocompromised individuals.
What if? If the patient were immunocompromised, the nurse would question an order for a live attenuated vaccine like OPV. The safer alternative would be the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), and the nurse should consult the physician.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'viral vaccine'.
Recall the definition of a viral vaccine: a biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease caused by a virus.
Systematically evaluate each option by identifying the causative agent of the disease it prevents.
Option A: Cholera is caused by a bacterium (Vibrio cholerae). Therefore, its vaccine is bacterial. Eliminate this option.
Option B: BCG vaccine prevents tuberculosis, which is caused by a bacterium (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). This is a bacterial vaccine. Eliminate this option.
Option C: Tetanus toxoid protects against the toxin produced by a bacterium (Clostridium tetani). This is a toxoid vaccine. Eliminate this option.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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