Immunology

Question 1

What is the immune system for?

Answer 1

To identify and eliminate microorganisms and other harmful substances

Question 2

What are the 4 main clinical features suggestive of immunodeficiency?

Answer 2

Serious infections
Persistent infections
Unusual infections
Recurrent infections

Question 3

What are the 2 classifications of immunodeficiencies? and which is common/rare?

Answer 3

Secondary (common)

Primary (Rare)

Question 4

What are some conditions associated with secondary immune deficiencies?

Answer 4

• Physiological immune deficiency
• Infection
• Treatment interventions
• Malignancy
• Biochemical and nutritional disorders

Question 5

Functions of phagocytes?

Answer 5

• Initiation and amplification of the inflammatory response
• Scavenging of cellular and infectious debris
• Ingest and kill microorganisms
• Produce inflammatory molecules which regulate other components of the immune system
• Resolution and repair

Question 6

What would happen if a patient’s phagocytes were unable to bind to endothelial adhesion molecules?

Answer 6

Recurrent bacterial and fungal infections, high neutrophil count in blood, deep tissue at site of infection with no pus formation