Immunodeficiency L3

Question 1

What is the cause of Primary Immunodeficiency?

Answer 1

It is due to an intrinsic defect in the immune system.

Question 2

Describe the cause of Secondary Immunodeficiency.

Answer 2

The immune system is initially intact but a consequence of another condition triggers it.

Question 3

List the types of Primary Immunodeficiency defects.

Answer 3

• complement defects
• phagocytic cell defects
• affecting B cells
• affecting T cells
• combined T and B cell defects
• cytokine/cytokine receptor defects

Question 4

List the pathogens seen in humoral deficiencies.

Answer 4

Bacterial

• S. aureus
• S. pneumoniae
• H. influenzae

Viral

• enteroviruses
• echoviruses

Protozoal
- Giardia lamblia

Question 5

List potential phagocytic defects in immunodeficiency.

Answer 5

• Defects in phagocyte production (neutropenias)
• Defects in adhesion molecules affecting chemotaxis
• Defects in killing mechanisms

Question 6

List the pathogens seen in phagocytic defects.

Answer 6

Bacterial

• Staphylococci
• Pseudomonas

Fungal

• Candida spp
• Aspergillus spp

Question 7

List the treatments for antibody, complement, neutrophil and T cell immunodeficiencies.

Answer 7

• Antibiotic prophylaxis
• Antifungal prophylaxis
• Replacement antibody (Ig)
• Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Question 8

List the pathogens seen in combined T & B cell deficiencies

Answer 8

Bacterial

• intracellular (mycobacteria)
• Salmonella spp

Fungal

• Candida spp
• Aspergillus spp
• Cryptococcus neoformans

Protozoal

• Pneumocystis carinii
• Toxoplasma gondii
• Cryptosporidia

Viral

Question 9

Which is more common; primary or secondary immunedeficiency?

Answer 9

Secondary.

Question 10

How do you treat an HIV infection?

Answer 10

Antiviral drugs:

• Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
• Protease inhibitors

Antibiotics