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Questions and Answers
What characterizes the secondary immune response compared to the primary immune response?
Which immunoglobulin is primarily released during the primary immune response?
What is the main function of plasma cells in the immune response?
What role do memory cells play in the immune system?
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What is the predominant antibody produced during the secondary immune response?
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What primarily constitutes the body's first line of defense against pathogens?
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Which type of white blood cell is considered the first responder to an infection?
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What is the role of cytokines in the immune response?
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Which of the following statements about macrophages is correct?
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Natural Killer cells primarily target which of the following?
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Which component of the immune system contributes to the normal bacterial flora?
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During a secondary immune response, which cells are primarily involved in recalling the immune response?
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What is the primary role of memory cells in the immune response?
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Which best describes the difference between a primary and secondary immune response?
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Which immunoglobulin class is primarily responsible for the initial response to an antigen?
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Which of the following best describes a direct function of antibodies?
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What characteristic is unique to antibodies in the immune system?
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Which class of immunoglobulins is responsible for mediating allergic responses?
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Cytokines affect the growth of which type of cells in the immune system?
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What mechanism of action do antibodies use to enhance phagocytosis indirectly?
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What is the characteristic feature of IgG antibodies?
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What is primarily produced during B cell differentiation?
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Which of the following STDs is caused by a virus?
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Which method is NOT effective in preventing STDs?
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What is a key characteristic of Trichomoniasis compared to other STDs?
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Which of the following vaccines is available for STD prevention?
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Which sexual practice is considered less risky for the transmission of STDs?
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Which statement regarding consent is most relevant to STD prevention?
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Which type of sexual history taking is emphasized for healthcare professionals?
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What is a significant risk factor for developing STDs?
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Which symptom is commonly associated with STDs?
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Which method is NOT a common way of transmitting STDs?
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In the context of STDs, which of the following statements is correct?
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What is a crucial aspect of managing STDs?
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What is the most common method for diagnosing sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
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Which treatment is typically used for bacterial sexually transmitted diseases?
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What is a potential consequence of treating pregnant individuals with STIs?
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What type of infection can antiviral drugs help manage but not always cure?
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In the context of sexually transmitted diseases, what is a characteristic of bacterial infections compared to viral infections?
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Which of the following STIs can be confirmed through blood tests?
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What is the risk associated with antiviral drugs for herpes during suppressive therapy?
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Which of the following STIs can be treated effectively with a single dose of antibiotics?
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What legal consequence exists in Victoria for intentionally infecting another person with a serious disease?
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Which STI can be confirmed through testing fluid samples from open genital sores?
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Study Notes
Humoral Immune Response
- B cells differentiate to produce plasma cells that secrete antibodies in response to antigens
- B cells also produce memory cells to accelerate immunity upon re-exposure to the same antigen
- Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are proteins in body fluids produced by plasma cells
- Five classes of immunoglobulins exist:
- IgG: most abundant, offers protection against infections, transported from mother to fetus via the placenta
- IgA: found in blood and fluids like tears, saliva, and digestive fluids, prevents microbial attachment to epithelial barriers
- IgM: found in blood, largest immunoglobulin, first antibody produced during initial antigen response
- IgE: mediator of allergic responses and defense against parasitic infections
- IgD: function is to signal B cell activation, enabling B cell participation in immune defense
Function of Antibodies
- Antibodies protect against infections through direct and indirect mechanisms
- Direct mechanisms:
- Neutralization: blocks antigen binding to receptors
- Precipitation: converts soluble antigen into insoluble precipitate
- Agglutination: clumping of particles
- Indirect mechanisms:
- Antibody binding to antigens activates inflammatory response
- Enhanced phagocytosis
- Activation of the complement system leading to microorganism destruction
Cell-Mediated Immune Response
- Involves destruction of infected cells by cytotoxic T cells or destruction of intracellular pathogens by macrophages
- Two levels of protection:
- First line of defense: skin and mucous membranes, physical barrier preventing foreign body penetration
- Epithelial cells lining cavities and body surfaces secrete substances (mucus, sweat, saliva, earwax) to trap and destroy pathogens
- Normal bacterial flora contributes to innate immunity
- Second line of defense: activated upon foreign body breaching the first line or cell injury
- Cellular components:
- Phagocytes: neutrophils and monocytes (white blood cells) - neutrophils are rapid responders, initiating phagocytosis, monocytes mature into macrophages that supplement neutrophils
- Natural Killer (NK) cells: recognize and eliminate virus-infected cells and abnormal cells (e.g., cancer)
- Chemical mediators:
- Cytokines: small proteins regulating immune and blood cell growth and activity, signaling the immune system
- Cellular components:
- First line of defense: skin and mucous membranes, physical barrier preventing foreign body penetration
Immune Response
- Antigen presence triggers B and T cell activation and differentiation
- Occurs in lymphoid organs where antigen selectively binds to B or T cells
- Cytokines control differentiation and proliferation of selected B cells into antibody-producing plasma cells and selected T cells into cellular targets
- Memory B and T cells respond more quickly upon re-exposure to the same antigen
Phases of Immune Response
-
Primary response:
- IgM antibodies are released, followed by IgG against the same antigen
- "Primes" the body's immune system
-
Secondary response:
- More rapid and robust antibody production than the primary response
- Due to memory B and T cells that do not require further differentiation
- IgG production is significantly elevated, making it the predominant antibody in this phase
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
- STDs are infections acquired primarily through sexual contact.
- They are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can be transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and other bodily fluids.
- STDs can also be transmitted non-sexually, such as from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth, or through blood transfusions or shared needles.
- STDs can be asymptomatic, making prevention crucial.
Symptoms
- STDs may present with a range of symptoms or no symptoms at all.
- Signs that could indicate an STI:
- Sores or bumps on the genitals, oral area, or rectum
- Painful or burning urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Pain during sex
- Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin
- Lower abdominal pain
- Fever
- Rash on the trunk, hands, or feet
- Symptoms may appear within days after exposure, but some STDs can remain dormant for years.
Causes
-
Bacterial Infections:
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Chlamydia
-
Parasitic Infections:
- Trichomoniasis
-
Viral Infections:
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
- Genital Herpes
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
Prevention
- Wait and Test: Delay sexual contact with new partners until both have been tested for STIs.
-
Safe Practices:
- Use latex condoms or dental dams for oral, vaginal, and anal sex.
- Prevent skin-to-skin contact between oral and genital mucous membranes.
-
Vaccination:
- HPV, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B vaccines are available.
- Early vaccination before sexual exposure is most effective.
- Consent: Consent is crucial for preventing STDs.
-
Barrier Contraception: Use condoms consistently and correctly.
- Never use oil-based lubricants with latex condoms or dental dams.
- Non-barrier contraception (such as birth control pills or IUDs) does not protect against STIs.
Diagnosis
- Sexual History: Taking a detailed sexual history is essential for diagnosis.
-
Physical Exam:
- Physical or pelvic exams to check for signs of infection (rash, warts, discharge).
-
Laboratory Tests: Confirm diagnosis and identify coinfections.
-
Blood Tests:
- HIV diagnosis
- Later stages of Syphilis
- Urine Samples: Some STIs can be confirmed with urine.
- Fluid Samples: Testing of fluid from open genital sores can diagnose infection.
-
Blood Tests:
Treatment
-
Bacterial and Parasitic STIs:
- Often treated with antibiotics, usually in a single dose.
-
Viral STIs:
- Managed, but not always cured.
-
Antiviral Drugs:
- Used to manage herpes and HIV.
- Daily suppressive therapy with antiviral drugs can reduce herpes recurrences.
- Antiviral drugs can control HIV infection for many years, but the risk of transmission remains.
- Pregnancy: Immediate STI treatment during pregnancy can prevent or reduce the risk of infection in the baby.
Resources
- The Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) website provides information on how to take a sexual history.
- "Healthequitymatters.org.au" website provides information about HIV Law in Victoria.
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Description
Explore the humoral immune response, focusing on B cells and their role in producing antibodies. Learn about the various classes of immunoglobulins, their functions, and how they enhance immunity. This quiz covers essential aspects of antibody functions in the immune system.