Body, inflammatory and immune response to infection

Question 1

Body response

Answer 1

An intact skin and mucous membrane to prevent the entry of microorganisms, with surface secretions or immobilise them and help to dilute + neutralise toxins (sweat, saliva, stomach gastric juice)
The inflammatory response initiated by body cells if the skin or mucous membrane is breached
The immune response if infection takes hold, the body’s immune system is activated to fight the infection

Question 2

Inflammatory response

Answer 2

Heat(pyrexia), redness, swelling - all increase the blood flow containing leucocytes (white blood cells) to the area
Pain- caused by pressure of increased blood flow on surrounding nerve endings
Loss of function of the affected tissue - due to pain and swelling present

Question 3

Acute inflammation

Answer 3

when swelling occurs quickly and is very painful e.g. acute alveolar abscess

Question 4

Chronic inflammation

Answer 4

when swelling is less and occurs over a longer period and it less painful e.g. chronic periodontitis

Question 5

Leucocytes

Answer 5

they pass out of capillaries and into the tissue at site of infection. They battle and pus is formed as various cells die
If the pus remains contained in the area of invasion, it forms an abscess, but if it managed to spread to surrounding tissues its called cellulitis
Antitoxins and antibodies may be carried to the area in blood plasma and assist in the attack
Help may often be required with antibiotics, antivcials and antifungals
virulent - difficult infection

Question 6

Immune response

Answer 6

Once body has been exposed to an invasion by a microorganism, our immune system develops antibodies and antitoxins. This ensures that if it happens again in the future, the body is able to automatically fight of the infection which is called - Acquired immunity

Question 7

Other methods of immunity

Answer 7

immunity can also be naturally received from one’s mother or acquired by vaccination against an illness without actually suffering from that illness (hep B)
However, vaccines have not been developed against other blood borne diseases that pose a risk to dental staff such as AIDS.
You must be vaccinated against a range of diseases and must always wear PPE and follow the infection control policy

Question 8

Elderly

Answer 8

the functioning of the body cells in older patients is not as effective as when they were younger, as cells + tissues wear out with age + cannot be replaced as easily, + other age related disorders may be present that affect the ability of the body to repair itself

Question 9

Young children

Answer 9

including babies, whose natural immune systems will not be functioning fully for some time, so they are more prone to developing diseases after attacks by pathogens, as well as not having received their full vaccination programme

Question 10

Debilitated

Answer 10

those pts of any age who are said to be immune-compromised because they have an underlying illness that affects the ability of their immune system to fight of pathogens; this includes those with diabetes, those suffering from a range of illnesses such as leukaemia, kidney failure, AIDS + various cancers. + those taking drugs that suppress their immune systems due to organ transplant or cancer treatment

Question 11

Entry to the body

Answer 11

direct contact, airborne droplets, aerosol spray, direct entry, inoculation injury

Question 12

Tissue repair

Answer 12

once the inflammatory response has overcome infecting microorganisms (antigens) the body will repair itself. New leucocytes travel to area to remove any damaged or dead tissue + lay down a temp layer of repair cells (granulation tissue). consist of basic tissue cells + capillaries which form a fibrous frame work for more specialised tissue cells to grow + develop onto.

Question 13

Tissue repair

Answer 13

If a chronic infection is persistently present, the body’s attempt to repair will only be partially successful, a state will exist where tissue is being repaired at the same time as chronic infection is still present (periodontal diseases). The infecting microorganisms are never completely eradicated always present + its severity swings in low grade with intermittent acute episodes that require trt to overcome

Question 14

Natural immunity

Answer 14

present from both by being randomly inherited

Question 15

Passive immunity

Answer 15

present from birth + specifically inherited directly from the mother’s own pool of antibodies + antitoxins

Question 16

Acquired immunity

Answer 16

creation of the necessary antibodies + antitoxins by the leucocytes during a pathogen attack, so that the disease is over come. These remain in the body for life and prevent recurrence of same infection
(also by vaccination)