Which of the following is an example of artificially acquired active immunity?

Choice A rationale:

Alkylating agents. Alkylating agents are not cell cycle-specific. These agents work by directly binding to DNA and interfering with the cell's ability to replicate and divide. Their action is not limited to a specific phase of the cell cycle, making them non-cell cycle-specific agents. Alkylating agents are often used in cancer chemotherapy to prevent cell division and growth.

Choice C rationale:

Antineoplastic antibiotics. Antineoplastic antibiotics are not cell cycle-specific either. These drugs, such as doxorubicin and bleomycin, work by disrupting DNA and RNA synthesis and are used to treat various types of cancer. However, they do not specifically target cells in a particular phase of the cell cycle.

Choice D rationale:

Retinoids. Retinoids are not cell cycle-specific antineoplastic agents. Retinoids are compounds related to vitamin A and are used for various medical purposes, including some cancer treatments. However, their mechanism of action is not tied to a specific phase of the cell cycle, making them non-cell cycle-specific.

Choice B rationale:

Plant alkaloids. Plant alkaloids, such as vinca alkaloids (vincristine and vinblastine) and taxanes (paclitaxel), are considered cell cycle-specific antineoplastic drugs. These agents interfere with microtubule function, which is critical during mitosis (cell division). By disrupting microtubules, they specifically target rapidly dividing cancer cells during the M phase of the cell cycle. This selectivity for actively dividing cells makes plant alkaloids cell cycle-specific antineoplastic drugs.

Choice A rationale:

Anthelmintic drugs are contraindicated in patients who are pregnant because these drugs can potentially harm the developing fetus. Many anthelmintic drugs have not been studied extensively in pregnant women, and their safety in pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using anthelmintic drugs in pregnant patients to minimize potential risks to both the mother and the fetus.

Choice B rationale:

Anthelmintic drugs should be used cautiously in patients with myasthenia gravis. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue. Some anthelmintic drugs may have neuromuscular side effects, which can worsen the symptoms in individuals with myasthenia gravis. Therefore, caution is warranted when considering anthelmintic therapy in these patients.

Choice C rationale:

Clinical depression is not a contraindication for anthelmintic drugs. While some side effects of anthelmintic drugs may include mood changes or psychiatric symptoms, these drugs are primarily used to treat parasitic infections and are not contraindicated in patients with clinical depression. The benefits of treating the parasitic infection may outweigh the potential psychiatric side effects.

Choice D rationale:

Children younger than 15 years are not necessarily contraindicated for anthelmintic drugs. The choice of anthelmintic therapy in pediatric patients should be based on the specific drug, the type of parasitic infection, and the age and weight of the child. Anthelmintic drugs are often used in children to treat parasitic infections, but the choice of drug and the dosing regimen should be carefully selected based on individual patient characteristics.