Układ Odpornościowy | Immune System

Read the case study and complete the whole lesson. Afterward, answer the questions related to the clinical case. This practical exercise will help you apply your newly acquired knowledge to real-world scenarios and improve your critical thinking skills.

Case study:

John Smith, a 40-year-old male, encountered recurring infections over the past six months. His medical history includes a bout of  pneumonia  two years ago and mild allergies to certain food items. He leads a moderately active lifestyle, following a balanced diet and regular exercise routine. John reported frequent episodes of upper  respiratory tract  infections, such as colds and sinusitis, with longer-than-usual recovery times. He also complained of fatigue,  swollen lymph nodes  in his neck, and recurring skin  rashes. Additionally, he mentioned an increase in allergy  symptoms,particularly nasal congestion and  itchy  eyes, without a clear trigger. Dr. Patel, John’s primary care physician, conducted a physical examination. Vital signs were within normal limits. Enlarged cervicallymph nodes  were observed, along with hives on John’s arms and abdomen during the examination. Suspecting an immune system-related issue, Dr. Patel recommended further investigations. John underwent blood tests to  assess  his immune function. The results revealed decreased levels of immunoglobulins, particularly IgG and IgM. Additionally, a  skin prick test  confirmed heightened sensitivity to common  allergens. Following these results, Dr. Patel referred John to an immunologist, Dr. Rivera, for a comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Rivera conducted a detailed immune system assessment. Flow cytometry showed decreased T-cell counts. A bone marrow  biopsy  was performed to rule out any underlying hematologic  disorders  affecting immune function. Dr. Rivera diagnosed John with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID), a primary immunodeficiency disorder characterized by low immunoglobulin levels and impaired  immune response. John was  prescribedimmunoglobulin replacement therapy to boost his immune system function and reduce infection risk. Allergy management strategies and lifestyle modifications were recommended to minimize infection risk in individuals with compromised immune systems.

Upon completing the lesson return to the case study and answer the following questions related to the provided scenario.

What are the diagnostic tests that contribute to identifying Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID), and what do their results typically indicate? 

Answer: Diagnostic tests include blood tests for immunoglobulin levels, skin prick tests for allergen sensitivity, flow cytometry to  assess  T-cell counts, and possibly a bone marrow  biopsy.Decreased immunoglobulin levels (especially IgG and IgM) and reduced T-cell counts signify an impaired  immune response, confirming CVID.

Describe the lifestyle modifications recommended for individuals diagnosed with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID). How do these modifications assist in reducing the risk of infections in such patients?

Answer: Lifestyle modifications include avoiding  exposure  to potential  infectious  agents, maintaining good hygiene practices, consuming a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and minimizing stress. These adjustments aim to bolster the body’s defense mechanisms and reduce  susceptibility  to infections in those with compromised immune systems due to CVID.

Explain the significance of immunoglobulin levels and T-cell counts in assessing immune function.

Immunoglobulin levels and T-cell counts play a crucial role in evaluating immune function. Reduced immunoglobulin levels, especially IgG and IgM, signify a lack of antibodies, which impairs the body’s ability to fight infections. Decreased T-cell counts indicate compromised cellular immunity, further weakening the  immune response  against pathogens. Monitoring these levels helps  assess  the overall immune health and  susceptibility  to infections in individuals with immune  disorders  like CVID.

Table: Prefixes Related to the Immune System

Table: Combining Forms Related to the Immune System

Table: Suffixes Related to the Immune System