Study note
MicrobiologyImmune Response

Primary and secondary antibody responses

THE CONTEXT
Antibody responses are distinguished by whether the antigenic stimulus is initial or subsequent.

Definitions

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The primary response is the antibody response to an initial antigenic stimulus.
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The secondary response follows subsequent stimuli with the same antigen.
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Primary and secondary responses differ both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Effect of antigen on timing

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The duration of the lag phase and persistence of antibody vary with the nature of the antigen.
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Diphtheria toxoid may produce a primary-response lag phase as long as 2–3 weeks.
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With pneumococcal polysaccharide, antibodies may be detected within a few hours.
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