Immunology, HIV, and Related Disorders Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to immunology, HIV, and associated medications and disorders.

Peyer's Patches

Located in the GI tract (small intestine), responsible for attacking infections.

Macrophages

Mature monocytes that engulf and 'eat' bacteria/pathogens through phagocytosis.

Neutropenia

Low white blood cell count, specifically low neutrophils.

Innate Immunity

Non-specific defense; present from birth.

Cytokines

Hormone-like substances released by body cells to signal other cells.

Eicosanoids

Substances that cause vasodilation, activate white blood cells, and raise body temperature.

Helper T Cells

Cells that target and mark pathogens, helping macrophages identify and destroy them.

Acquired Immunity

Immunity developed after exposure to a disease through vaccination or infection.

HIV

A retrovirus that attacks the immune system, primarily targeting CD4 T-helper cells.

Viral Load

The amount of HIV virus found in the blood.

ELISA

Initial test for HIV, stands for Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay.

Western Blot

Confirmatory test for HIV after a positive ELISA result.

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

Lifelong medication regimen for managing HIV.

Opportunistic Infections

Infections that take advantage of a weakened immune system, common in HIV patients.

Integrase Inhibitors

Medications that inhibit the integrase enzyme, preventing HIV from integrating its DNA into host cells.

Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs)

Medications that inhibit viral replication by stopping the virus from making DNA from RNA.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma

A type of lymphoma characterized by Reed-Sternberg cells.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

A type of lymphoma more common in older adults.

Zidovudine (AZT)

An NRTI medication important for managing HIV.

Fusion Inhibitors

Medications that prevent HIV from entering CD4 cells.

Blood Transfusion

Historically a method of HIV transmission, now less likely due to screening.