Question

Which of the following is an example of a subunit vaccine?

• A. Smallpox vaccine
• B. Hepatitis B vaccine
• C. MMR vaccine
• D. Yellow fever vaccine

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding subunit vaccines. - Subunit vaccines contain only specific pieces of the pathogen, such as proteins or polysaccharides, rather than the whole microorganism. - They generate an immune response without introducing live or inactivated pathogens. 

Step 2: Explanation of incorrect options. 
- Smallpox vaccine (A): A live attenuated vaccine containing live vaccinia virus. 
- MMR vaccine (C): A live attenuated vaccine containing weakened measles, mumps, and rubella viruses. 
- Yellow fever vaccine (D): A live attenuated vaccine containing a weakened yellow fever virus. 

Step 3: Selecting the correct option. - Hepatitis B vaccine is a subunit vaccine that contains the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) to stimulate immunity without introducing the whole virus. Thus, the correct answer is (B) Hepatitis B vaccine.