Immunology

Question 1

What diseases are associated with eosinophilia?

Answer 1

Allergy (atopy, meds) 
Parasitic infections 
Fungal infections 
Hypereosinophilia sx 
Leukaemia lymphomas 
Mastocytosis 
Transplant rejection 
Hypoadrenalism 
Specific immune def diseases

Question 2

Which immunoglobulin is secreted in highest amount in breast milk?

Answer 2

IgA

Question 3

What are antigen presenting cells (APC?)

List examples of APC?

Answer 3

APC present antigens for recognition by T cells.

Classical APCs include dendritic cells, macrophages, Langerhans cells and B cells.

Question 4

What is the most useful test to assess disease activity in SLE?

Answer 4

C3 level.

Immune complex formation activates complement pathway&raquo_space;low C3 and C4

Question 5

What is the mechanism of action and indication of omalizumab?

Answer 5

a) Omalizumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the high-affinity receptor binding site on human immunoglobulin (Ig)E.

b)

• Rx of moderate to severe persistent asthma in adults and patients >= 6 years who have a positive skin test or in vitro reactivity to a perennial aeroallergen (allergic rhinitis) & whose symptoms are inadequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids.
• Chronic idiopathic urticaria

Question 6

What are the different types of immunological reactions? Give examples of each.

Answer 6

●Type I – Immediate in onset and mediated by IgE and mast cells and/or basophils e.g anaphylaxis, asthma, eczema
●Type II – Delayed in onset and caused by antibody (usually IgG) mediated cell destruction e.g good pastures, blood transfusion rxns, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
●Type III – Delayed in onset and caused by IgG:drug immune complex deposition and complement activation e.g serum sickness, SLE, glomerulonephritis
●Type IV – Delayed in onset and T-cell mediated e.g GVHD, contact dermatitis

Question 7

What is a long term sequelae of FMF?

Answer 7

Amyloidosis