Immunopathology Week 12 - Immunodeficiency Flashcards
(9 cards)
What is an immunodeficiency?
It is a condition in which the immune system’s ability to fight infections and diseases is weakened or absent.
What is a primary (Congenital) immunodeficiency disorder?
Genetic or developmental defects affecting immune function.
List some types of primary immunodeficiencies.
- B-cell (antibody) deficiencies – Bruton’s disease, Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)
- T-cell deficiencies – e.g., DiGeorge Syndrome
- Combined B-cell and T-cell deficiencies – e.g., Severe Combined
Immunodeficiency (SCID) - Phagocytic defects – e.g., Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD)
- Complement deficiencies – e.g., C3 deficiency, hereditary
angioedema.
What is a Secondary (Acquired) Immunodeficiency?
Immunodeficiency caused by external factors (infections, diseases, medications).
What are some common causes of secondary immunodeficiency?
- Infections – e.g., HIV/AIDS (CD4+ T-cell depletion)
- Malnutrition - Protein-energy malnutrition affecting immune function
- Medical treatments – Immunosuppressive drugs, chemotherapy,
radiation therapy - Metabolic diseases – Diabetes mellitus
- Cancer – Leukemia, lymphoma affecting immune cells
How can AIDS be transmitted?
- Sexual contact
- Parenteral
- blood + derivates, drug abusers sharing needles
- Mother-to-infant
- transplacental, intrapartum, breast-feeding
Who are the risk groups of contracting AIDS?
- Homosexual males (60%)
- Intravenous drug abusers (24%)
- Hemophiliacs (1%)
- Oher blood recipients (2%)
- Heterosexual partners of other high-risk groups members
- Children of parents from groups 1.-3.
What are signs and symptoms of AIDS?
- Severe immunosuppression
- Opportunistic infections
- Secondary tumors
- Neurologic symptoms