Hypersensitivities and Immunodeficiencies

Flashcards covering key concepts related to hypersensitivities, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, and related diseases.

Hypersensitivity

Immune overreaction to certain antigens.

Autoimmunity

Immune self-reaction leading to tissue damage.

Hyposensitivity

Immune underreaction, also known as immunodeficiency.

Type I Hypersensitivity

Allergic reactions mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE), causing rapid responses.

Anaphylaxis

Severe, systemic allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.

Allergen

Antigen that triggers an exaggerated immune response.

IgG

Most prevalent antibody in blood, important for long-term immunity.

IgA

Antibody found in mucosal areas, essential for mucosal immunity.

IgM

First antibody produced during an immune response.

IgD

Functions primarily as a receptor on B cells.

IgE

Antibody primarily involved in allergic reactions.

Sensitization

Initial exposure to an allergen causing IgE production.

Autoimmune disease

Condition where the immune system attacks the body’s own cells.

RhoGAM Treatment

Administering anti-Rh antibodies to prevent hemolytic disease of newborn.

Type II Hypersensitivity

Antibody-mediated reactions that result in complement activation and cell lysis.

Type III Hypersensitivity

Immune complex-mediated reactions causing tissue damage.

Type IV Hypersensitivity

Delayed-type hypersensitivity mediated by T cells.

Graves' disease

An autoimmune disorder where antibodies stimulate the thyroid.

Myasthenia gravis

Autoimmune disorder where antibodies block acetylcholine receptors, causing muscle weakness.

Multiple sclerosis

Condition characterized by immune-mediated damage to neuronal myelin.

Primary Immunodeficiency

Immunodeficiencies present from birth due to genetic mutations.

Secondary Immunodeficiency

Immunodeficiencies acquired later in life due to external factors.

AIDS

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome caused by HIV infection.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus that infects CD4+ helper T cells.

Immune complex

Formation of antigen-antibody complexes that can precipitate and damage tissues.

Septicemia

Presence of infectious agents in the blood leading to systemic illness.

Endocarditis

Inflammation of the heart's inner lining, often caused by bacterial infection.

Plague

Infectious disease caused by Yersinia pestis, transmitted through flea bites.

Lyme Disease

Tick-borne disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, associated with a bull's-eye rash.

Malaria

Illness caused by Plasmodium species, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes.

Cholera

Severe diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, often linked to contaminated water.

Ebola virus

Highly fatal virus causing severe hemorrhagic fever.

Yellow fever virus

Mosquito-borne disease causing fever and bleeding.

Dengue fever virus

Causes severe flu-like symptoms and can lead to hemorrhagic fever.

Rotavirus

Leading cause of gastroenteritis in infants; vaccination is critical for prevention.

Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome

Condition caused by Staphylococcus aureus, leading to skin peeling.

Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the conjunctiva, often due to infections.

Keratitis

Inflammation of the cornea potentially leading to vision loss.

SARS-CoV-2

Virus responsible for COVID-19, leading to respiratory illness.

Antimicrobial resistance

Reduced effectiveness of antibiotics due to misuse.

Zoonosis

Transmission of disease-causing agents from animals to humans.

One Health concept

Integration of human, animal, and environmental health disciplines.

Histoplasmosis

Fungal infection caused by inhaling spores of Histoplasma capsulatum.

Cysticercosis

Infection caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium, potentially leading to severe health issues.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections.

Tuberculosis

Infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, affecting the lungs.

Influenza

Seasonal respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.

Croup

Viral infection causing airway obstruction in children.

Antigen

Substance that induces an immune response.

Antibody

Proteins produced by B cells that specifically bind to antigens.

Vaccine

Biological preparation providing active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease.

Eicosanoids

Lipids derived from arachidonic acid, involved in inflammation and immunity.

Phagocytosis

Process by which cells engulf and digest pathogens.

T-cell

A type of lymphocyte crucial for adaptive immune response.

B-cell

A lymphocyte involved in producing antibodies.

MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex)

Molecules on cell surfaces that help present antigens to T cells.

Aseptic Technique

Procedures used to prevent contamination by pathogens during specimen collection.

Culture Media

Nutrient solutions used for growing microorganisms in a lab.