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.

CB
Answered by Charles B. Biology tutor

3861 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain how energy moves through a habitat in a food chain.


Describe how a simple Reflex works.


Describe how pathogens cause infections and describe how the immune system defends itself against these pathogens


What are the differences and similarities between animal cells and plant cells in terms of structure and function?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning