Chapter 18 Learning Outcomes NOAI

Describe how aging affects the immune system.

1. Less efficient immune responses à increased infection & secondary infections

2. Increased perception of body's tissue as foreign à increased autoimmune disorders

3. Malignant cells not destroyed as quickly à increased cancer incidence

Describe the two mechanisms of immunity

Cell-mediated immunity: involves T-cells; uses direct cell-to-cell contact or cytokines; against intracellular pathogens, responsible for tumors and graft rejection.

Humoral immunity: involves B-cells; uses antibodies to work; against extracellular pathogens

Cold ( viral rhinitis)

naturally acquired active

Rabies antibody injections

artificially acquired passive

IgG

provides long-term immunity after vaccine or illness recovery, crosses the placenta to provide passive immunity in newborns

IgA

found in secretions of all mucous membranes, provides passive immunity for breastfed infants

IgM

produced first during an infection (IgG production follows)

IgD

antigen-specific receptors on B lymphocytes

IgE

important in allergic reactions, mast cells release histamine

breast milk

naturally acquired passive

organs that makeup immune system

primary - bone marrow, thymus

secondary - lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils and adenoids, peyer patches (intestines)

Differentiate antigens from antibodies

Antigens: chemical marker that identifies cells; human cells have "self" antigens which foreign cells do not have, they are recognized as foreign and destroyed.

Antibodies: immunoglobulins (Ig) or gamma globulins that are specific for one type of antigen; label antigen for destruction.

Flu vaccine

artificially acquired active

erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

a nonspecific test that shows generalized inflammation

C-reactive protein (CRP)

an abnormal protein found in plasma during an acute inflammatory process, more sensitive than ESR

Red blood cell (RBC) for men

4.7-6.1

C-reactive protien (CRP), Antinuclear Antibody (ANA), and Rheumatoid Factor relate to what condition?

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

IgE (immunoglobulin E), and eosinophils are related to what condition?

Allergic reaction

Western Blot tests, CD4 count, and CD8 count relate to which condition?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Skin testing is often performed to confirm the presence of:

Allergies or Tuberculosis (TB)

A positive skin test presents which symptoms?

Erythema and/or induration (firmness)

What are key considerations when performing skin testing?

Have resuscitation equipment on hand, including epi pen.

Red blood cell (RBC) for women

4.2-5.4

Antinuclear Antibody (ANA)

strongly associated with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE)