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What makes every pathogen unique?

What makes every pathogen unique and what is the significance of that as far as the immune system is concerned?HELP :S I need an answer that is not too complex but easy to understand :)

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Pathogens have a protein coat or surface, some pathogens continually change the shape of their surface coats (RNA viruses such as flu and HIV). The proteins of the coats are called antigens and are recognised by the immune system (produces antibodies etc). The basis of vaccination is to use part of the coat or pathogen to stimulate the immune response without causing the disease. Antibodies therefore only work against specific pathogens.

    Source(s): Biologist
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