how pathogens avoid the immune system Flashcards
How do viruses avoid the immune system?
make components that look normal so the immune system won’t attack, can neutralize immune cells with special weaponry, adapt and change over time to be harder to recognize, and latency
What is latency?
The period between the initial infection or exposure to a virus and the appearance of symptoms or the ability to detect the virus
How does Covid-19 avoid the immune system?
It can quickly evolve to change (hence the strains)
How does Covid-19 spread?
respiratory droplets is how it spreads
What are Covid-19 symptoms?
Fever, chills, cough, fatigue, new loss of taste/smell, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle aches, diarrhea, etc.
Causes a “cytokine storm”
What is a cytokine storm?
inflammation that suppresses immune response and damages organs
How does HIV spread?
through bold and bodily fluids
What are HIV symptoms?
Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle aches, rash), diarrhea, mouth sores, night sweats, weight loss; then nothing, then getting sick more easily (progression to AIDS)
what is AIDS?
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
How does HIV avoid the immune system?
hides in T cells and explodes them, releasing more of the virus
How does RSV spread?
respiratory droplets from infected individuals or on surfaces
What are RSV symptoms?
Runny nose, cough, fever, wheezing, nasal congestion, difficulty breathing
How long does it take to heal from RSV
Most resolve in 1-2 weeks, but can lead to pneumonia, bronchiolitis
How does RSV avoid the immune system
Various RSV proteins work together, particularly NS1; Reduce production of host’s immune cells
what are t cells?
a type of white blood cell
How do bacteria avoid the immune system?
They hide inside host cells, but they still need to change lysosome (highly acidic)
what are some bacteria strategies?
becoming tolerant of the lysosomes, escaping before the lysosomes come, changing phagosome membrane so that the lysosome couldn’t fuse with the phagosome
change its own surface
What are the symptoms of Gonorrhoeae?
Burning sensation while urinating**, discolored vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain or cramping, vaginal bleeding between periods, bloody discharge, red swollen eyes
How does gonorrhoeae avoid the immune system?
Changes the molecules on the surface which makes it difficult for the immune system to recognize and defeat
What are the E. coli symptoms?
Diarrhea**, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, kidney failure, seizures
How does e. coli avoid the immune system?
Coat themselves with molecules from the Host; camouflage as a “friend”
What are the symptoms of meningococcal disease?
Fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, confusion, seizures, sensitivity to light
How does meningococcal disease avoid the immune system
protective layers
What are the symptoms of stomach ulcers?
Persistent pain in the upper abdomen**, heartburn, bloating, feeling full quickly, nausea and vomiting, bleeding causing dark vomit or feces
