Immunopathology Week 12 - Immunodeficiency

Question 2

What is an immunodeficiency?

Answer 2

It is a condition in which the immune system’s ability to fight infections and diseases is weakened or absent.

Question 3

What is a primary (Congenital) immunodeficiency disorder?

Answer 3

Genetic or developmental defects affecting immune function.

Question 4

List some types of primary immunodeficiencies.

Answer 4

• 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.

Question 5

What is a Secondary (Acquired) Immunodeficiency?

Answer 5

Immunodeficiency caused by external factors (infections, diseases, medications).

Question 6

What are some common causes of secondary immunodeficiency?

Answer 6

• 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

Question 7

How can AIDS be transmitted?

Answer 7

• Sexual contact
• Parenteral
• blood + derivates, drug abusers sharing needles
• Mother-to-infant
• transplacental, intrapartum, breast-feeding

Question 8

Who are the risk groups of contracting AIDS?

Answer 8

1. Homosexual males (60%)
2. Intravenous drug abusers (24%)
3. Hemophiliacs (1%)
4. Oher blood recipients (2%)
5. Heterosexual partners of other high-risk groups members
6. Children of parents from groups 1.-3.

Question 9

What are signs and symptoms of AIDS?

Answer 9

• Severe immunosuppression
• Opportunistic infections
• Secondary tumors
• Neurologic symptoms