Immunology & Prions Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of B cells in the adaptive immune system?

To punch holes in germ surfaces

To engulf harmful germs

To store memory of past infections

To produce antibodies (correct)

Innate immunity is the second line of defense that operates after the adaptive response.

False

What disease in cows is caused by prions and affects their brain and nervous system?

Mad Cow Disease

The process where immune cells engulf and digest germs is called ______.

phagocytosis Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of antibody with its primary response:

IgM = First response to infection IgG = Secondary response for faster defense IgA = Mucosal immunity IgE = Allergic reactions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key component of innate immunity?

T cells Signup and view all the answers

Inflammation only occurs as a result of allergic reactions in the body.

False Signup and view all the answers

What symptoms appear in humans infected with vCJD due to Mad Cow Disease?

Depression, personality changes, loss of movement control Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following vaccines provides instructions for cells to make a protein from a virus to trigger an immune response?

mRNA Vaccines Signup and view all the answers

The Canine Parvovirus is transmitted through indirect contact with an infected dog.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the symptoms of Fungal Diseases like Coccidioidomycosis?

Cough, fever, and fatigue Signup and view all the answers

Heartworms primarily live in the ______ of dogs.

heart Signup and view all the answers

Match the following vaccine types with their characteristics:

Live Attenuated = Contains a weakened version of the virus Inactivated = Contains dead virus and may need boosters Subunit = Only parts of the germ, very safe mRNA Vaccines = Provide instructions for cells to make a virus protein Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of antibiotic resistance?

Overuse of antibiotics Signup and view all the answers

Bovine Respiratory Disease can be worsened by stress and crowded living conditions.

True Signup and view all the answers

Name one common type of helminthic infection and its effect.

Tapeworm; it lives in the intestines and absorbs nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

IMMUNOLOGY & IMMUNE SYSTEM

Innate immunity is the body's immediate defense against germs
- Barriers like skin and stomach acid prevent germ entry
- Phagocytic cells ("eat" harmful germs)
- Complement proteins attack germs
Adaptive immunity targets specific invaders
- B cells produce antibodies that mark germs for destruction
- T cells find and kill infected cells or assist B cells
- Memory cells remember past infections, allowing faster response to future encounters
Phagocytosis: Immune cells engulf and digest germs or dead cells
Inflammation: Body isolates infected area, prevents spread, promotes healing
Antibodies (e.g., IgM, IgG, IgA) play unique roles in defense
- Primary response (IgM): Fulfills the initial defense
- Secondary response (IgG): Provides stronger defense in the future

PRIONS & MAD COW DISEASE

Prions are abnormal proteins causing brain diseases in animals and humans
- Unlike regular germs, prions lack DNA or RNA
Mad Cow Disease (BSE): Affects cows' brains and nervous systems
Preventing BSE in cattle:
- Banning specific animal products from cattle feed
- Rigorous testing to exclude affected animals from the food supply
Symptoms in cows: nervous behavior, weight loss, difficulty moving
Symptoms in humans (vCJD): depression, personality changes, loss of movement control, and death

CANINE & FELINE VIRAL DISEASES

Rabies: Dangerous viral brain infection spread through bites
- Symptoms: strange behavior, difficulty swallowing, aggression
- Prevention: animal vaccines, human post-exposure shots
Canine Parvovirus: Virus impacting the dog's intestines
- Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration
- Transmission: Direct contact, contaminated objects
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Virus weakening the feline immune system
- Transmission: saliva, nasal secretions, other body fluids
- Similar to HIV in humans, weakening immune system.

DISEASES FROM FUNGI & PARASITES

Fungal Diseases (e.g., Coccidioidomycosis or Valley Fever): Fungal spores inhaled from soil
- Symptoms: Cough, fever, fatigue
Helminthic Infections (Parasitic Worms)
- Types:
  - Flatworms (e.g., tapeworms): Live in the intestines, absorbing nutrients
  - Roundworms (e.g., heartworms): Live in organs like the heart or intestines
  - Pinworms (itching around anus), Hookworms (enter skin, causing anemia), Heartworms (lead to death)

PHARMACOLOGY & VACCINES

Vaccines: Teach the body to fight germs without getting sick
- Types:
  - Live attenuated: Weakened virus (strong, long-lasting immunity)
  - Inactivated: Dead virus (safer, may need boosters)
  - Subunit: Parts of the germ
  - mRNA: Instructions for cells to create virus proteins (e.g., COVID-19)
Herd immunity: If most people are vaccinated, spreading of disease is greatly reduced
Antibiotic resistance: Some bacteria no longer respond to antibiotics
Vaccine failure: Animals may already be ill, or vaccine quality/storage issues.

BOVINE & EQUINE DISEASES

Bovine Respiratory Disease: Affects cattle lungs caused by multiple germs
- Worsened by stressful and crowded conditions
Horse Diseases
- Strangles: Highly contagious infection of the throat and lymph nodes
- West Nile Virus: Transmitted by mosquitos, leading to brain swelling

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Description

Dive into the fascinating world of immunology and the immune system as you explore innate and adaptive immunity. This quiz covers essential concepts like phagocytosis, inflammation, and the role of antibodies. Additionally, learn about prions and their impact on diseases such as mad cow disease.