Immunology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Immunology - Essay Example 006) Researches have also made it clear that cats living in urban areas (40%) are more likely to be infected than the ones living in rural areas(6%) (Little, 2006) The FeLV virus is a fragile virus and can survive for only two hours in a dry environment and 48 hours in damp and moist surroundings. Though it is contagious, it can only be transmitted among cats; it cannot potentially infect humans. Within cats, it is transmitted via intimate moist contact through licking, biting, grooming or eating from the same source. It can also be transmitted through urine, feces and milk. It is also transmitted from an infected mother to her new born kitten (Hoover & Mullins, 1991) It is usually categorised in the following four classes- FeLV A, B, C and T. Out of these, only FeLV A is transmissible among cats, while the others arise de novo. While FeLV A causes severe immunosuppression, FeLV B and C cause neoplastic diseases and anemia respectively (Poulet et al,2003) Once a cat is exposed to the virus, there are four possible consequences, depending on the response of the immune system. In about 30% of the cats, the virus evokes a strong immune response, which in turn extinguishes the virus. In another 30% the cats’ immune system does not produce an immediate immune reaction. At the same time though, the virus does not manifest its potential effects. It resides safely in a dormant state in the cats’ bone marrow. It might express itself later or may remain dormant forever. In the remaining 40% of the cats, the virus is successful and the cats become infected. (Hoover, Mullins, 1991) Once the virus actively infects a cat, it can have hazardous effects. It can lead to cancerous diseases like leukemia and lymphosarcoma. It also leads to a generalized suppression of the immune system, and may also cause reproductive ailments. Besides these, it also damages the liver and intestine, and is also capable of causing blood infections (Little,2006) A few tests have been devised

Argumentative (Should marijuana be legalized in the U.S.) Essay

Argumentative (Should marijuana be legalized in the U.S.) - Essay Example The legalization of marijuana is the focus of contemporary debate in the US. Colorado and Washington have legalized its use and several other states appear poised to follow suit. Legal penalties for the possession of marijuana are being lifted and decriminalized. This legalization of marijuana is extremely bad for society and deserves to be strongly opposed. Marijuana should not be legalized in the US because it has adverse health effects, and legalization will increase its use and its cost burdens. Marijuana has adverse physical and mental effects, as illustrated by the health problems associated with its usage. According to the National Institute on Drug Usage, marijuana smoking affects the brain and leads to impaired short-term memory, perception, judgment and motor skills. Marijuana users also experience difficulty in concentration, trance-like states, lowered driving and other psychomotor skills, slowed reaction time, impaired goal-directed mental activity, and altered periphera l vision. In another example in the New England Journal of Medicine, 45% of reckless drivers (excluding those under the influence of alcohol), tested positive for marijuana.   Intense anxiety, panic attacks or paranoia are also seen in cases of marijuana usage. Marijuana cigarettes contain the carcinogen Benzopyrene which is linked to lung cancer. Other symptoms include airway injury, acute  and chronic bronchitis, inflamed sinuses, lung inflammation, and vulnerability to pulmonary infection. Marijuana weakens the body’s immune system and leads to decreased motivation. It affects the hormones, resulting in delayed puberty, low sperm count and menstrual disruption  (Frontline). The legalization of marijuana will increase its availability and its use. This is particularly disturbing as â€Å"Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States, with nearly 17 million Americans age 12 and older reporting past?month use, and 374,000 people entering an emer gency room annually with a primary marijuana problem† (White House web site). Legalization would naturally result in a steep fall in marijuana prices, making it affordable to more users, especially adolescents. This is illustrated by the case of gambling, tobacco and alcohol: statistics show that legalization increased use and availability. The Netherlands is a real-time example. Data from the Rand Corp. shows that, with marijuana legalization, its use â€Å"increased consistently and sharply† and tripled among young adults. Legalization â€Å"triggered commercialization† (Sabet). This result will be multiplied in America's ad-driven culture. The promise of profit will encourage aggressive marketing. Closer to home, we have the example of Alaska. Alaska legalized marijuana in the 1970’s. Subsequently, â€Å"teen marijuana use jumped to twice the national average† (CNBC). The state recriminalized marijuana in 1990.    The legalization of marijuana will increase cost burdens. The tax revenue generated through the legalization of marijuana will be off-set by higher social costs. This is again illustrated by the precedent of tobacco and alcohol. The Federal and State tax on alcohol is â€Å"less than 10 percent of the estimated $185 billion in alcohol?related costs to health care, criminal justice, and the workplace in lost productivity† (White House).   Similarly, the annual social cost of smoking lags far behind the tax revenue generated by tobacco. It is estimated that 9 percent of marijuana