A Case of X-linked Agammaglobulinemia
Department of Biology
Spring Hill College
Though a normal, full-term baby at birth, starting at about 10 months of age “Billy DeWitt” has suffered a series of infections, including sinusitis, otitis media, and pneumonia. Students read a brief clinical history of the patient and a description of the relevant signs and symptoms, then answer a set of directed questions designed to probe the underlying anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the disorder. In the process, they learn about the human hemolymphatic system. The case has been used in a sophomore-level course in human anatomy and physiology for pre-med and nursing students as well as in a senior-level elective course in general physiology taken primarily by pre-med students.
- The fundamental differences between nonspecific and specific body defense mechanisms.
- The differences between primary and secondary lymphoid organs, and the steps involved in lymphocyte “maturation.”
- The distinction between humoral and cellular immunity.
- The nature of antigens, and why proteins are typically highly antigenic.
- The five classes of antibody and the means by which antibody molecules exert a protective effect.
- The differences between active and passive immunity.
- The role of maternal antibodies in the protection of an infant from infectious disease.
- The nature of X-linked inheritance.
KeywordsHemolymphatic system; X-linked agammaglobulinemia; X-linked hypogammaglobulinemia; Bruton syndrome; sex-linked agammaglobulinemia; B-lymphocytes; T-lymphocytes; immunoglobulin; gammaglobulin; lymphoid organs; immunity; antigens; antibodies
Educational LevelUndergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division
Type / MethodsDirected
Subject HeadingsPhysiology | Medicine (General) | Nursing |
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