The Immunocompromised

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Questions and Answers

What major distinction does the classification of parasitic worms identify?

Their method of transmission

Their treatment protocols

Their reproductive habits

Their life cycle and structure (correct)

Which of the following microorganisms can be differentiated using differential media?

Bacteria and viruses

All types of microorganisms

Different types of bacteria (correct)

Viruses and fungi

In immunology, what is a key feature distinguishing primary from secondary immunodeficiencies?

Severity of symptoms

Presence of genetic factors

Type of pathogens involved

Age of onset (correct)

What is the role of complement proteins in the immune response?

Facilitating inflammation and enhancing phagocytosis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following vaccines would typically target children within the first few years of life?

MMR vaccine Signup and view all the answers

What is a common challenge in the collection and storage of biological specimens?

Contamination risk during transportation Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fungi is specifically defined by its ability to switch between yeast and filamentous forms?

Dimorphic fungi Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) programs in healthcare?

Preventing the spread of infections Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pathogens is associated with the symptom of vaginitis?

Trichomonas vaginalis Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of yeasts that sets them apart from other fungi?

Uni-cellular structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic feature of Secondary Immunodeficiencies?

Acquired conditions affecting immune function. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes innate immunity?

Non-specific defenses that act immediately upon pathogen detection. Signup and view all the answers

Which classic feature of inflammation is associated with ‘Calor’?

Heat. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of Complement Deficiencies?

Increased bacterial infections. Signup and view all the answers

Which immunodeficiency is classified as a primary immunodeficiency?

Chronic Granulomatous Disease. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant impact of HIV/AIDS on the immune system?

Decreased function of CD4+ T-cells. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes adaptive immunity from innate immunity?

Adaptive immunity involves memory and specificity. Signup and view all the answers

How do microbes typically evade the immune response?

By changing their surface antigens. Signup and view all the answers

What role do macrophages play in the innate immune system?

They act immediately upon detecting pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

What is a result of Lymphocyte Function Deficiencies?

Increased risk of opportunistic infections like fungal infections. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Innate Immunity

The first line of defense against pathogens.
Includes non-specific defenses such as barriers, fever, and the complement system.
Responds immediately to pathogens.
Key components include macrophages, NK cells, and dendritic cells.

Adaptive Immunity

Specific defenses involving B-cells and T-cells.
Slower response, taking days to weeks, but has memory.
Activated through antigen presentation.

Primary Immunodeficiencies

Genetic defects that lead to gaps in the immune system.
Examples: Chronic Granulomatous Disease, Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), Bruton-type agammaglobulinemia.

Secondary Immunodeficiencies

Acquired conditions that affect immune function.
Causes include: Chemotherapy, corticosteroids, splenectomy, HIV/AIDS.

Complement Deficiencies

Increased susceptibility to infections such as those caused by Staphylococcal and Neisseria.

Phagocytic Cell Function Defects

Increased risk of bacterial infections.

Lymphocyte Function Deficiencies

Increased risk of viral and fungal infections.

HIV/AIDS

Leads to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Characterized by poor T-cell function (CD4+ cells).
Opportunistic infections due to lack of CD4+ T-cells.

Microbial Evasion of Immune Response

Mechanisms include: Destroying complement components, preventing phagocytosis, and changing surface antigens.

Dermatophyte Infections

Definition, transmission, symptoms, and complications of these infections.

Vectors of Infectious Diseases

Lice, Ticks, Mosquitoes: Methods of removal and disease transmission.

Specimen Collection and Storage

Techniques for collecting: Urine, sputum, blood, and stool.
Importance of tracking specimens and Q scoring.

Parasite Types

Nematodes vs. Cestodes vs. Trematodes: Differences in structure and life cycle.

Yeast and Fungi

Growth characteristics of yeast and definition of dimorphic fungi.

Laboratory Techniques

Differential Medium: Differentiates microorganisms
Gram Stain: Provides information on bacterial cell wall structure.

Infectious Diseases

Cryptococcus neoformans, Trichomonas vaginalis, Plasmodium: Transmission, symptoms, and complications.

Immunology Concepts

Passive Immunity: Definition and examples.
Primary vs. Secondary Immunodeficiencies: Key differences.
Complement Proteins: Importance in immune response.

Vaccination

Types of vaccines and their target populations, such as the MMR vaccine.

Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC)

Overview of IPAC programs and their significance in healthcare settings.

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Description

Test your knowledge on innate and adaptive immunity, along with immunodeficiencies. This quiz covers key components, functions, and potential deficiencies in the immune system. Understand the differences between primary and secondary immunodeficiencies and their implications for health.