immunology

What components are important to assess in the history of the immunologic system?

Current/past medical conditions, allergies and severity of reactions, medication inventory and vaccination history, nutritional status, and additional factors like pregnancy complications and environmental exposures.

What basic tests are used to assess the immunologic system?

CBC with differential, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), fluorescent antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, rheumatoid factor (RF), and allergy testing.

What age-related changes occur in the immune system of infants?

Immature immune system with inadequate lymphocyte function, T-lymphocyte deficiency, reliant on maternal antibodies.

What changes in immunity are observed in older adults?

Decreased innate immunity, altered adaptive immunity, thymus gland shrinking, fewer T lymphocytes, less immunoglobulins, delayed immune response, increased autoantibodies.

Why is vigilance important in older adults regarding immunologic health?

They may not present typical signs of infection, require repeat vaccinations, and have increased infection risk.

Fill in the Blank: The _ is a biomarker for inflammation used in basic diagnostic tests.

C-reactive protein (CRP)