AJ

Innate Immunity: Non-Specific Defenses of The Host

Chapter 16: Innate Immunity: Non-Specific Defenses of The Host

The Concept of Immunity

  • Immune system: Protects the human host from pathogens.

  • Immunity: The ability to fight off pathogens and prevent disease.

  • Host resistance: Implies the host possesses immunity.

  • Host susceptibility: Implies the host lacks immunity or resistance.

  • Host defense: The ability of the host to remove a pathogen to prevent disease.

    • If host defenses are successful, the host has immunity (resistance).

    • If host defenses are not successful, the host becomes diseased (susceptibility).

Two Types of Defenses (Immunity)

Innate Immunity (Host Defense)

  • Definition: Immunity babies are born with (present at birth).

  • Scope: Provides immunity or resistance to any pathogen, getting rid of all pathogens.

  • Importance: Crucial for the survival of the newborn.

  • Characteristics:

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