Immunocomprised Host Flashcards

1
Q

Definition of immunocompromised host?

A

A state in which the immune system is unable to respond appropriately and effectively to infectious microorganisms.

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2
Q

What are the 4 signs of an immunocompromised host?

A
SPUR
Severe
Persistent
Unusual - site and microorganisms
Recurrent
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3
Q

What are the two general causes or being immunocompromised?

A

Primary - congenital - missing cell protein, non-functioning components.
Secondary / acquired e.g. Chemo - loss of production, function or increase in catabolism of components.

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4
Q

What 3 types of malignancy can the immunocompromised host lead to?

A

Hodgkin
Leukaemia
Lymphoma

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5
Q

At what age do T cells defects generally present?

A

Over 6 months

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6
Q

What are some signs of T cell defects in IH?

A

Failure to thrive, reduction in weight
Deep tissue and skin abscesses
Fungi infections e.g. Candida

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7
Q

What pathogens tend to affect T cell defects in IH?

A

Viruses
Fungi - candida and aspergillus
Salmonella

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8
Q

What age does a phagocyte defect typically present in IH?

A

Under 6 months

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9
Q

What symptoms are presented in a phagocyte defect?

A

Low weight
Skin / mucous infections
Chronic Granuloma disease
Fungal infections

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10
Q

Why does phagocyte defect result in chronic granuloma disease?

A

Defect in phagocytes

No respiratory burst - phagocytes can engulf but no free radicals to kill pathogen

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11
Q

What pathogen affect a patient with a phagocyte defect?

A

Staph Aureus - skin, mucousal

Fungal infections - aspergillosis

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12
Q

What age would an antibody deficiency present?

A

6 months - 5 years

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13
Q

Give a common example of antibody deficiency condition.

A

Bruton’s

Affect B cell antibodies

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14
Q

Name 3 pathogens which commonly affect a patient with a antibody deficiency.

A

Strep
Staph
Haem Influenzae

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15
Q

What symptoms would a patient with an antibody deficiency experience.

A

Sino-respiratory
GI problems
Malignancy

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16
Q

What are some general signs of an immunocompromised host?

A
Family history 
Ear infections
Pneumonia 
Sinus infections 
Viral - herpes, colds
17
Q

What age would a complement deficiency present?

A

5 year to adulthood

18
Q

What are some signs of a complement deficiency?

A

Meningitis
Sepsis
Arthritis
Pyogenic (pus) infections

19
Q

What 2 pathogens commonly affect a patient with a complement deficiency?

A

Neisseria Meningitis

Haem Influenzae

20
Q

Give 6 examples of secondary cases of an immunocompromised host.

A
Splenectomy
Liver disease
Infection e.g. HIV
Chemo - neutropenia
Malnutrition
Increased catabolism e.g. Burns
21
Q

What are some cases of a splenectomy?

A

Infarction
Trauma
Congenital
Sickle cell disease

22
Q

What is the consequence of a splenectomy and how does this lead to an immunocompromised host?

A

Low macrophages
Low antibodies
Low protection against encapsulated bacteria
Life long penicillin prophylaxis

23
Q

How can malignancy lead to an immunocompromised host?

A

Neutropenia following chemo
Pic lines a catheters - staph aureus, epidermis
Need immediate antibiotic treatment

24
Q

What tests would you do if you suspect an immunocompromised host? How would these determine what type of defect the patient has?

A

Molecular and gene testing - family history - congenital (primary IH)
Complement test - complement deficiency
Lymphocyte count - T cell defect
Neutrophil and macrophage count and function test - phagocyte defect
Antibody level - Antibody defect

25
Q

What are the 3 main treatment methods for an immunocompromised host?

A

Supportive - prevention, nutrition, make sure no vaccines are given
Specific - Immunoglobin replacement therapy - takes antibodies from healthy individuals e.g. In Bruton’s
Monitoring - organ tissues, malignancy

26
Q

What type of pathogen is aspergillus? What does it look like micro?

A

Fungi
Large and multicellular
Long threads

27
Q

Where does aspergillus normally reside?

A

In the lungs

28
Q

What is the treatment for aspergillus?

A

Amphotericin - an antifungal - given IV

29
Q

What are some signs /symptoms of Varicella-zoster virus?

A
Itchy vesicles
Exanthem - scalp, face, limbs
Abdo pain
Malaise
Fever
Headache
30
Q

What is the incubation for varicella - zoster virus?

A

14 - 21 days

31
Q

How does shingles in an adult develop from varicella - zoster as a child?

A

Virus lies latent in neutrons and gang lions until patient is immunocompromised, then redevelops.
Must have varicella - zoster antibody to develop shingles

32
Q

Pathogen? Varicella - zoster virus

A

Double stranded
Envelope
Virus

33
Q

Where is varicella - zoster virus normally found the body?

A

Liver / spleen

34
Q

How is chicken pox spread?

A

Respiratory droplets