Disorders Associated with the Immune System

These flashcards cover key concepts from Chapter 19 of the microbiology course, focusing on disorders related to the immune system.

Hygiene Hypothesis

The theory suggesting that reduced exposure to pathogens may result in a higher incidence of allergies and autoimmune diseases due to a lack of microbial exposures.

Dysbiosis

An imbalance in the gut microbiota that can lead to adverse health effects, such as inflammatory bowel diseases.

Fecal Transplants

A medical procedure that involves transferring stool from a healthy donor to a patient to restore healthy gut microbiota.

Hypersensitivity

An exaggerated immune response to harmless substances, commonly known as allergens.

Anaphylactic Shock

A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly after exposure to an allergen.

Cytotoxic Reactions

Type of hypersensitivity reaction where antibodies bind to target cells, leading to their destruction.

Autoimmunity

A condition in which the immune system fails to distinguish between self and non-self, causing it to attack the body's own tissues.

Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)

Molecules that present antigens to T cells, playing a crucial role in the immune response.

Stem Cells

Master cells that can differentiate into various cell types and have the potential for tissue regeneration.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

A disease caused by HIV that leads to a progressive failure of the immune system.

Antigenic Variation

The ability of pathogens to alter their surface proteins to evade the host's immune response.

Immunotherapy

A treatment designed to enhance or restore the immune system's ability to fight infections and diseases.