Most cases of scarlet fever occur in children. Adults have usually developed immunity to a toxin that the Streptococcus bacteria produce during infection. Explain how an adult develops immunity.

The adult was exposed to the toxin when they were a child, this developed an immune response. This immune response stimulated B lymphocytes to proliferate, these then made memory B lymphocytes. The memory B lymphocytes stay in the body for a very long time and induce a quicker response when the toxin is met later in life - they have developed immunity.

Answered by Charles B. Biology tutor

2805 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do enzymes work?


Describe the steps that occur in allopatric speciation or geographical speciation.


Describe one problem inbreeding causes.


Sperm cells and muscle cells are both specialised animal cells. Outline one way in which these two cells are different.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences