Vaccinations&Allergies_Issue

Vaccinations and Allergies

Problems/Case Studies

"A Bad Reaction: A Case Study in Immunology" James A. Hewlett, Finger Lakes Community College. State University of New York at Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching.
This case involves the transfer of a peanut allergy to a patient who received a combined kidney and liver transplant from a donor who had died from an allergic reaction to peanuts. In addition to illustrating the various roles of immune cells, the physiology of anaphylaxis, and the function of antibodies in immune physiology, the case explores concepts related to histocompatibilities, organ donation, and organ rejection.
The case is appropriate for use in a course in human physiology, a combined course in human anatomy and physiology, or an introductory course in immunology.

"Is It a Lemon or a Lyme? A Case Study on the Decision to Vaccinate or Not". Kate Rittenhouse-Olson, University at Buffalo. State University of New York at Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching.
This multi-part dilemma case was designed for a junior level immunology course. It could also be used in a microbiology or bacteriology course where the emphasis is on treatment as well as disease. Although the case revolves around a particular microbe that causes Lyme disease, the central question is "Should a person get vaccinated given the associated risks and benefits?"
This case is appropriate for undergraduate epidemiology, microbiology, and public health courses.

CNN Videos

Topic: Smallpox Threat: Biology 6th Ed. CNN Ed 2002 (5:12)
The most recent smallpox outbreak in the United States occurred in 1947 and was promptly halted with a vaccination program. Global vaccination eliminated the disease as a natural threat in 1977, but some fear it could be used in biological attacks. No one over age 30 has been vaccinated and those who were vaccinated years ago may have only limited immunity. The symptoms and course of the disease are described. It is less contagious than flu or measles and is fatal in about 30 percent of cases. (Student worksheet provided on CD)

Topic: "Mold exposure": Biology 8th Ed. CNN Ed 2004 (2:43)
Mold spores can lie dormant for years. They germinate if favorable conditions for growth arise, as when a home is flooded. According to physicians and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mold exposure is not a danger for most people. However, it can cause symptoms in people with allergies, asthma, respiratory problems, or weakened immune systems. Among the symptoms of mold exposure are sinus congestion, sore throat, cough, and skin and eye irritations. Mold growth occurs if there is a moisture problem and can be remedied by eliminating the source of moisture. The EPA suggests that a professional be called if there is more than 10 square feet of visible mold. The worksheet includes the URL for the EPA’s web page about mold and indoor air quality.

Articles in "Taking Sides"

"Do Vaccines Cause Autism?" Easton, Thomas. Taking Sides: Science, Technology, and Society, sixth edition.
Issue Summary:

YES: Investigative reporter Marnie Ko reports that vaccines, many of which use a mercury compound as a preservative, are associated with numerous cases of childhood autism and other conditions. Vaccines are not adequately tested for safety. (from "Safe from What?" Report/Newsmagazine, (National Edition) September 23, 2002).

NO: Roger Bernier, Associate Director for Science, National Immunization Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, asserts that numerous studies fail to show that vaccines cause autism, and the mercury-containing preservative is no longer used for childhood vaccines in any event. Further research into vaccine safety is under way. (from "Vaccine Safety and Autism", Testimony before the House Committee on Government Reform, June 19, 2002)