What is "neutralisation"

neutralisation \neutralisation\ n. Same as neutralization. [Chiefly Brit.]

n. (label en British spelling) The act of neutralise.

1. n. a chemical reaction in which an acid and a base interact with the formation of a salt; with strong acids and bases the essential reaction is the combination of hydrogen ions with hydroxyl ions to form water [syn: neutralization, neutralization reaction, neutralisation reaction]

2. (euphemism) the removal of a threat by killing or destroying it (especially in a covert operation or military operation) [syn: neutralization]

3. action intended to keep a country politically neutral or exclude it from a possible war; "the neutralization of Belgium" [syn: neutralization]

4. action intended to nullify the effects of some previous action [syn: neutralization, counteraction]

Neutralisation or neutralization in the immunological sense refers to the ability of specific antibodies to block the site(s) on bacteria and their toxins or viruses that they use to enter their target cell. The effect of an neutralizing antibody can be negligible even with large excesses of antibody prodution if they lack specificity to this antigen. The production of specific antibodies can be learned for a faster response at next exposition.

The reduction or destruction of a homologous infectious agent can be partial or complete and can make it no longer infectious or pathogenic to other cells.