Population, Rh Incompatibility, and Immunology - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the notes on population health, Rh incompatibility, and basic immunology.

Incidents (Incidence)

Number of new cases of a disease appearing in a population over a specific period.

Rh incompatibility

A situation where an Rh-negative mother develops antibodies against Rh-positive fetal red blood cells, risking harm to future pregnancies.

RhoGAM (Rh immune globulin)

Rh(D) immune globulin given to Rh-negative pregnant individuals to prevent formation of antibodies against Rh-positive fetal cells.

Hemolysis

Destruction of red blood cells.

Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by elevated bilirubin from red blood cell breakdown.

Bilirubin

A bile pigment produced from heme breakdown; buildup can cause jaundice in newborns.

Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN)

A condition where maternal antibodies destroy fetal red blood cells, often due to Rh incompatibility.

O negative

Universal donor for red blood cells: lacks A, B, and Rh antigens.

Rh factor

A surface antigen (RhD); describes whether blood is Rh-positive or Rh-negative.

Graft rejection

Immune rejection of a transplanted organ or tissue, often involving cytotoxic (Type II) mechanisms.

Common source outbreak

An outbreak from a single contaminated source that affects people over a period of time.

Point source outbreak

An outbreak from a single exposure at a specific point in time.

Phenotypic testing

Testing based on observable characteristics such as appearance, metabolism, and other traits.

Genotypic testing

Testing based on genetic information, such as antigen/antibody genes.

Immunoglobulin

Antibodies produced by B cells that bind specific antigens.

IgE

Immunoglobulin associated with allergic reactions and type I hypersensitivity.

Type I hypersensitivity

Immediate allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) mediated by IgE.

Type II hypersensitivity

Cytotoxic reactions where antibodies bind to cell-surface antigens and cause cell destruction.

Type III hypersensitivity

Immune complex-mediated reactions where antigen–antibody complexes cause inflammation.

Type IV hypersensitivity

Delayed-type hypersensitivity; T-cell mediated and may appear hours to days after exposure.

ACID mnemonic

Mnemonic for the four hypersensitivity types: A—Anaphylaxis, C—Cytotoxic, I—Immune complex, D—Delayed.

Antigen

Molecule or part of a molecule that the immune system recognizes and may trigger antibody production.

Antibody

A protein produced by B cells that binds a specific antigen.

Biochemical tests

Laboratory tests that identify organisms by metabolic activities; bacteria have metabolism, viruses do not.

Passive immunity

Immunity acquired by receiving antibodies from another person or source, providing immediate but temporary protection.