[Campbell Biology P.458] Based on the information provided, which statement best describes t... | Practice Question

Based on the information provided, which statement best describes the general approach to combating viral diseases through vaccination and antiviral drugs?

  • A: Vaccines directly kill viruses in the body, while antiviral drugs prevent viral replication.
  • B: Vaccines stimulate the immune system to prevent infection, and antiviral drugs target specific viral processes to inhibit their activity.
  • C: Both vaccines and antiviral drugs aim to eradicate existing viral infections by destroying viral particles.
  • D: Antiviral drugs are effective against bacterial and viral infections, whereas vaccines only work for specific viral strains.

Explanation

The text explains that vaccines stimulate the immune system to build immunity and prevent infection e.g., smallpox eradication, polio, measles, rubella, mumps, hepatitis B . It also states that antiviral drugs target specific viral processes, such as replication, assembly, or binding to host cells, to inhibit their activity e.g., acyclovir, AZT, maraviroc . This distinction highlights the preventive nature of vaccines and the therapeutic nature of antiviral drugs, both working through different mechanisms.