How do bacteria and viruses impact the development of vaccines?

Bacteria and viruses play a crucial role in the development of vaccines. Vaccines work by exposing the body to a small, harmless piece of a virus or bacteria, called an antigen, which triggers an immune response. This process allows the body to develop immunity to the antigen, without actually getting sick from the disease.

Developing a vaccine involves isolating the antigen from the virus or bacteria and finding a way to make it safe for use in humans. This is done through a variety of methods, such as weakening the virus or bacteria, or using a synthetic version of the antigen.

Once a vaccine is developed, it undergoes rigorous testing to ensure its safety and effectiveness. This includes testing in animals and humans, as well as clinical trials that assess the vaccine's ability to prevent disease.

Bacteria and viruses continue to play a critical role in the ongoing development of vaccines, as scientists work to create new vaccines to prevent emerging infectious diseases.