Immunology

Divided on vaccines, parents are polarized on the playground sidelines

The condition, which usually develops in adults, is known as chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a disease that results in a low number of platelets...

The lymphatic system is a complex network of thin vessels, valves, ducts, nodes, and organs. It helps to protect and maintain the fluid environment of the body by producing, filtering, and conveying lymph and by producing various blood cells.

The immune system is comprised of specialized white blood cells, called lymphocytes that adapt themselves to fight specific foreign invaders.

Vaccinations are injections of antigens into the body. Once the antigens enter the blood, they circulate along with other cells, such B and T cells. B and T cells are white blood cells that help the body defend itself against foreign invaders.

Macrophages are scavenger cells that can ingest dead tissue and foreign cells. Macrophages form tentacles called pseudopods to surround an invader.

These are not bad bacteria. They are what biologists call commensals, creatures that eat at the same table with people to everyone's mutual benefit...

The study looked at 136 women with the disease and 544 women without the disease, all within the same age range