Create an account
artificial active immunity
production of your own antibodies as a result of vaccination or immunization
Immunity that results when an individual receives the immune agents from some source other than his or her own body
artificial passive immunity
antibodies from another person or animal that are injected into a human (ie tetanus)
innate native immunity
* Defenses we are born with
* Provides immediate protection against effects of tissue injury and foreign proteins - Critical to health and well being
*causes visible symptoms and can rid the body of harmful organism; tissue damage may result from excessive responsive.
a form of acquired immunity in which the body produces its own antibodies against disease-causing antigens
natural active immunity
the body produces its own antibodies; long lasting immunity - the most effective and the longest lasting
* usually accompanied by inflammation
* occurs in response to tissue injury, invasion of organisms
*inflammation does not always mean infection is present
immunoglobulins or gama globulins
all antibodies are immunoglobulins or gama globulins
* globulin is a protein in a globular shape
* globular proteins provide immunity
* Resulting term is immunoglobulin
Also called cell-mediated immunity. This process results in the production of T cells and natural killer, NK, cells that directly attach to foreign cells. This immune response fights invasion by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and cancer.
* important in preventing the development of cancer and metastasis after exposure to carcinogens
* another type of adaptive/acquired true immunity
* helps protect body through ability to differentiate self from non-self
Anti-body mediated (typeII) due to presence of pre-formed antidonor antibodies. Occurs in minutes.
Typically does not eradicate problems that patient may have but does prevent progression of a disease or condition. It is used for the treatment of chronic illnesses such as hypertension.
therapy to establish remission in a patient that has failed first line treatments or reestablish remission in a patient that has relapsed
Orchestrates cell mediated immunity; activates B cells, cytotoxic cells, and NK cells; CD4; Promote the action of other immune cells and act as organizers in "calling of arms"
White Blood Cell Count
* constitutes the body's primary defense system against foreign organisms.
* includes: neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils & basophils.
* Produced in the bone marrow
* can be measured alone or as CBC with differential
Elevated WBC = Leukocytosis
Decreased WBC = Leukopenia
* Predominant WBC type
* body's first line of defense - phagocytosis (especially against bacteria)
* contain enzymes and pyrogens that combat foreign invaders
* mature neutrophils make up 54-75% of WBC
* come from stem cells; mature in bone marrow
* mature neutrophils called segmented neutrophils - "segs"
* Immature neutrophils called band neutrophils - "bands" (0-5% of total WBC count)
Absolute Neutrophil Count
* % and actual number of mature circulating neutrophils is used to measure a persons risk for infection.
* the higher the numbers, the greater the resistance to infection and vise versa
* aka "Absolute Granulocyte Count"
* important for determining immunity
Shift to the Left
an increase in the % of immature band neutrophils relative to mature segmented neutrophils
* indicates the person's bone marrow cannot produce enough mature neutrophils to keep pace with the continuing infection
* bone marrow is releasing immature neutrophils into the blood
* immature neutrophils are of no benefit because they are not capable of phagocytosis
* formed in the bone marrow from the same cells as those that produce neutrophils
* constitutes only 2-8% of total WBC count
* major function is phagocytosis
* When mature move from bloodstream into the tissues and are distributed throughout the body
* Greatest concentration in liver and spleen
* constitute the immediate inflammatory response
* can easily distinguish between self and non-self
* Very effective in trapping invading cells
* are found in next highest concetration after neutrophils (25-40%)
* classified as B cells and T cells
* both types are fomed in bone marrow: B cells mature in bone marrow and T Cells mature in the thymus
* Play a major role in the body's defense system
*constitute only 1-4% of total WBC Count
* contain many different substances including those that can cause inflammation adn those that can limit inflammation
* become active in later stages of infection
* respond to parasitic diseases
* respond to allergic reactions
* found in small numbers (1% of total WBC)
* have a phagocytic function; are similar to eosinophils
* contain granules that release heparin, histamine, serotonin, and kinin
* causes the manifestations of inflammation
What is the purpose of inflammation and immunity?
to meet the human need for protection by neutralizing, eliminating, or destroying organisms invading the internal environment
Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA)
* antigens are a normal part of the person and act as antigens if they enter another persons immune system
* Found on the surface of most body cells
* determine tissue type of a person
Key for recognition and self-tolerance
* provides immediate protection against the effects of tissue injury and foreign proteins. The capability for inflammatory response is critical to health and well being
* causes visible symptoms and can rid the body of harmful organisms. Tissue damage may result from excessive inflammatory response
What are the 5 cardinal manifestations of inflammation?
Warmth, Redness, Swelling, Pain, Decreased Function
What is the sequence of inflammatory responses?
Stage 1 (vascular) - change in blood vessels:
Phase 1 - constriction
Phase 2 - hyperemia & edema
Stage 2 (cellular exudate) - neutrophilia, pus
Stage 3 (tissue repair and replacement) - WBCs trigger new blood vessel and growth (angiogenesis) and scar tissue formation
Type 1 Hypersensitivity Reaction
IMMEDIATE - MOST COMMON TYPE - reaction of IgE antibody on mast cells with antigen, which results in release of mediators, especially histamine (hay fever, allergic asthma, anaphylaxis)
Type 1 Hypersensity Reactions
How can allergens be contacted?
- inhaled (plant pollens, fungal spores, animal dander, house dust, grass, ragweed)
- ingested (foods, food additives, drugs)
- Injected (bee venom, drugs, biologic substances)
- contacted (latex, pollens, foods, environmental proteins
AKA - Hay fever
occur just in the areas exposed to the antigen, mucous membranes of the nose & eyes causing symptoms of rhinorrhea, sneezing, itchy watery eyes.
involves all blood vessels and bronchiolar smooth muscle, causing widespread blood vessel dilation, decreased cardiac output and bronchoconstriction.
Life-threatening example of Type I hypersensitivity reaction. Occurs rapidly & systemically affecting many organs withing seconds/minutes.
Clinical manifestations of Allergic Rhinitis
runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy, watery eyes. Pt. may breath through the mouth, and voice has a nasal sound. Drainage from the nose is usually clear or white. Nasal mucosa appears swollen and pink. Pt. may have a headache or feel pressure over the frontal maxillary sinuses. Placing a penlight directly on the skin over the sinuses and observing for a glow (transillumination) usually shows reduced glow when rhinitis is present.
What to ask for in a History for Allergic Rhinitis
onset and duration of problems related to possible allergen exposure. Ask about work, school, home environments, exposure through hobbies, leisure time, or sports. Also because Type I allergic responses can be inherited ask about history of close relatives.
Allergic Rhinitis Lab Assessment
CBC w/ Differential will indicate an increase in eosinophils. Pt with severe seasonal Allergic Rhinitis may have a count as high as 12% (normal 1-2%), Total WBC count increases but % of neutrophils remain normal.
Other Labs: IgE levels, Radioallergosorbent test (RAST), Radioimmunosorbent test (RIST)
Skin testing can show which specific allergens are the cause of most type I reactions. Skin testing can be performed as scratch testing and intradermal testing
Placement of an appropriate dilution of a test material suspected of being an allergen in a lightly scratched area of the skin
Used for contact dermatitis and other Type IV hypersensitivities.
A method used to identify a patient's sensitivity to contact materials (e.g., soaps, pollens, dyes).
can be effective when specific allergens have been identified. Urge the patient to avoid direct or close contact with allergen. Many airborne allergens can be reduced by air contiditioning and air cleaning units. Also removing cloth drapes, upholstered furniture and carpeting.
Complementary and Alternative therapy
Broad range of healing philosophies, approaches, and therapies that Western (conventional) medicine does not commonly use to promote well-being or treat health conditions. Examples include acupuncture, herbs, aromatherapy etc.
"allergy shots" involves sub-q injections of small amounts of allergens and increasing over time reduces allergic responses by competition.
Shots given 1/week for 1st year, every other week for 2nd year, every 3-4 weeks for 3rd year. Recommended for 5 years.
Block histamines from binding with histamine receptor sites in tissues. prevents vasodilation and capillary leak. can also decrease secretions (benadryl (sedation), Clarinex, Zyrtec, Allegra)
reduces nasal congestion and/or swelling; produces vasoconstriction. Side Effects: dry mouth, increased BP, sleep difficulties (Afrin, Sudafed)
Because Oral Meds have a systemic effect, teach patients with high BP, glaucoma, or urinary retention to consult a DR before taking.
decrease inflammatory and immune responses by preventing synthesis of mediators. Systemic corticosteroids can produce severe side effects.
Avoided for Rhinitis and used only on a short-term basis for other problems associated with Type 1 reactions
Mast Cell Stabilizers
inhibit the release of inflammatory chemicals from mast cells and make the airways less likely to narrow. (nasalcrom)
Not useful during an acute episode
resp anti-inflammatory - stops allergic reponse by blocking leukotriene receptors that cause bronchospasms -- Singulair and Accolate
Type II Hypersensitivity Reaction
CYTOTOXIC - reaction of IgG with host cell membrane or antigen absorbed by host cell membrane (Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, Goodpasture's syndrome, Myasthenia gravis)
Type III Hypersensitivity Reaction
formation of immune complex of antigen and antibody, which deposits in walls of blood vessels and results in complement release and inflammation (Serum sickness, vasculitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis)
Type IV Hypersensitivity Reaction
reaction of sensitized T-cells with antigen and release of lymphokines, which activates macrophages and induces inflammation (Poison Ivy, graft rejection, Positive TB skin test, sarcoidosis)
Type V Hypersensitivity Reaction
Reaction of autoantibodies with normal cell-surface receptors, which stimulates a continual overreaction of the target cell (graves' disease, B-cell gamopathies)
What are interventions to Anaphylaxis?
EpiPen or Twinject, Assess respiratory function; establish airway, CPR, Epinephrine, Antihistamines (for angioedema and urticaria), oxygen, treat bronchospasm, IV fluids
often appears with other autoimmune disorders
* dry eyes, dry mucous membranes of nose and mouth, vaginal dryness
*insufficient tears causing inflammation/ulceration of cornea
* no cure; intensity and progression can be slowed
*autoantibodies made against glomerular basement membrane and neutrophils
*lungs and kidneys
*SOB, hemoptysis, decreased urine output, weight gain, edema, hypertension, tachycardia, treatment: high-dose corticosteroids
A laboratory test that indicates the status of a person's immune system is:
B. Leukocyte count
D. Cardiac Enzymes
B - Leukocyte count
Please allow access to your computer’s microphone to use Voice Recording.
Having trouble? Click here for help.
We can’t access your microphone!
Click the icon above to update your browser permissions and try again
Reload the page to try again!Reload
Press Cmd-0 to reset your zoom
Press Ctrl-0 to reset your zoom
It looks like your browser might be zoomed in or out. Your browser needs to be zoomed to a normal size to record audio.
Please upgrade Flash or install Chrome
to use Voice Recording.
For more help, see our troubleshooting page.
Your microphone is muted
For help fixing this issue, see this FAQ.
Star this term
You can study starred terms together