Immunocompromised Host Flashcards
What is immunocompromised?
State in which the immune system is unable to respond appropriately and effectively to infectious microorganisms
What causes immunodeficiency?
Defect in one or more components of the immune system
What is primary immunodeficiency?
Congenital deficiency duo to intrinsic gene defect
What is secondary immunodeficiency?
Acquired immunodeficiency due to an underlying disease or treatment
What is the most common cause of secondary immunodeficiency?
Malnutrition
When should you suspect immunodeficiency?
Infections suggestive of immune deficiency = SPUR
Severe
Persistent
Unusual
Recurrent
What are the 10 warning signs of primary immunodeficiency in children?
4 or more ear infections in a year
2 or more serious sinus infections in a year
2 or more months on antibiotics with little effect
2 or more pneumonias in a year
Failure of an infant to grow normally
Recurrent deep skin or organ abcesses
Persistent oral thrush or skin fungus
Need for IV abx to clear infections
2 or more deep-seated infections including sepsis
FH of PID
What are the 10 warning signs of primary immunodeficiency in adults?
2 or more ear infections in a year 2 or more serious sinus infections in a year 1 pneumonia per year for > 1 year Chronic diarrhoea with weight loss Recurrent viral infections Recurrent deep skin or organ abcesses Persistent oral thrush or skin fungus Need for IV abx to clear infections Infection with normally harmless TB like bacteria FH of PID
What does the age of onset <6 months suggest?
T cell or phagocyte defect
What does age of onset 6 months < x > 5 years suggest?
B cell / antibody defect
Phagocyte defect
What does age of onset > 5 years suggest?
B cell / antibody / complement defect
Secondary immunodeficiency
What are some examples of PID?
SCID - severe combined immunodeficiency
CGD - chronic granulomatous disease
CVID - common variable immune deficiency
XLA - X-linked agammaglobulinemia
How are PIDs managed?
Supportive treatment
- infection preventsion
- passive immunisation
- nutritional support
Specific treatment
- regular immunoglobulin therapy
What can cause secondary immunodeficiency?
Malnutrition HIV Liver diseases Lymphoproliferative diseases Splenectomy
What is the function of the spleen?
Works against encapsulated bacteria
Produces IgM
Produces IgG
Splenic macrophages
- remove opsonized microbes
- remove immune complexes
