Question

An individual finds himself infected by a previously undiscovered pathogen, Transmissio.

Predict the consequences of administering the MMR vaccine in this individual if he is currently infected by Transmissio.

Answer 1

MMR vaccine contains live attenuated (weakened) viruses of Measles, Mumps and Rubella. MMR vaccine is given to stimulate the immune system against the above mentioned viruses by producing antibodies against it and keeps this in their memory so that in future if a person gets infected with above viruses then person's immune system can easily recognise the virus and kill it with antibodies. Since in this case the person is infected by a previously undiscovered pathogen "Transmissio" hence MMR vaccine will not be effective against it but since the person is infected by transmissio which means that the person immune system is weak and in such condition MMR vaccine might cause problem because it contains live attenuated virus which can develop mild form of the disease caused by measles, mumps and rubella.