Full Form of DPT, DDT and BCG : Students often come across abbreviations like DPT, DDT, and BCG in Biology and Environmental Science. Knowing their full forms and meanings helps in both board exams and NEET preparation. Here’s a simple explanation of what each stands for, what it is used for, and its importance in health and environment.
Full Form of DPT, DDT and BCG – Explained for Students
1. DPT – Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus Vaccine
The DPT vaccine protects children against three deadly diseases—Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), and Tetanus. It is part of the immunization program recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is given in early childhood as multiple doses.
2. DDT – Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
DDT is a synthetic insecticide used widely in agriculture and for controlling mosquito-borne diseases like malaria. However, it has been banned or restricted in many countries, including India, due to its toxic effects on wildlife and its long persistence in the environment.
3. BCG – Bacillus Calmette–Guérin Vaccine
BCG is a vaccine given primarily for protection against tuberculosis (TB). It is usually administered to infants shortly after birth and helps the body develop immunity against the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Full Forms Table (DPT, DDT, BCG)
| Abbreviation | Full Form | Field | Usage / Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| DPT | Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus | Medicine / Immunization | Combined vaccine protecting children against three bacterial diseases. |
| DDT | Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane | Environmental Science / Chemistry | Colorless, odorless insecticide used against mosquitoes; now largely banned due to toxicity. |
| BCG | Bacillus Calmette–Guérin | Medicine / Immunization | Vaccine used to prevent tuberculosis and sometimes leprosy. |
Example or Analogy
Think of vaccines as training exercises for your immune system. DPT and BCG are like practice drills—your body learns to recognize and fight real infections later. DDT, on the other hand, was a chemical shield used to kill mosquitoes before they could spread diseases like malaria. It worked but created long-term environmental damage—like using too strong a shield that harms everything around.
Important Facts
- DPT and BCG are part of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in India.
- DDT was discovered in 1939 and later banned for agricultural use in most countries due to ecological harm.
- BCG is named after its developers—French bacteriologists Albert Calmette and Camille Guérin.
- DPT vaccines are given at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age, with booster doses later.
Quick Quiz (2 Questions)
- What diseases are prevented by the DPT vaccine?
- Why is DDT banned in most countries today?
Answer Key
- DPT prevents Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), and Tetanus.
- DDT is banned because it accumulates in food chains, harming birds and aquatic life, and poses risks to human health.