Pathophysiology of Infectious Diseases

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and vocabulary related to the immune system, infectious diseases, and their pathophysiology as discussed in the lecture.

Innate Immunity

The part of the immune system that provides immediate, non-specific defense against pathogens.

Adaptive Immunity

A specific immune response characterized by the activation of lymphocytes (B cells and T cells) following exposure to a specific antigen.

Complement System

A complex system of proteins that enhance the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens from an organism.

Type II Hypersensitivity

An immune response where antibodies react against cells or tissues, often leading to cell lysis.

Cytotoxic T cells

A subtype of T cells that kill infected cells, cancer cells, and sometimes transplanted cells.

Memory B cells

B cells that become long-lived and can quickly produce a specific antibody upon re-exposure to an antigen.

IgG

The most common type of antibody found in blood circulation, important for fighting infections.

Malaria

A parasitic disease transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, characterized by cycles of fever and fatigue due to destruction of red blood cells.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 T cells, leading to AIDS.

AIDS

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, a disease characterized by a significant loss of immune function primarily due to HIV infection.

Sepsis

A life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.

Phagocytosis

The process by which cells, such as macrophages, engulf and digest pathogens and debris.

Antibody-mediated immunity

A type of immune response that involves the production of antibodies by B cells to neutralize pathogens.

Cytokines

Proteins that mediate and regulate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis.

Opportunistic Infection

Infections that occur more frequently and are more severe in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Complement Activation

A series of biochemical reactions that enhance the immune response; can lead to cell lysis.

Graft Versus Host Disease

An immune reaction that occurs when transplanted immune cells attack the host's tissues.

Viral Load

The amount of virus present in a person's blood, an important measure in managing HIV infection.

Antigen

A molecule capable of inducing an immune response by being recognized by antibodies or immune cells.

Hemolytic Anemia

A condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made, often related to immune hypersensitivity.

Infectious Disease

A disease caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that can be transmitted from one individual to another.