Infection Flashcards
what are interleukins?
immunogenic proteins of the cytokine family
what are interleukins secreted by?
WBCs
there are high levels of TH-1 cells in the presence of what?
viral and bacterial infection
there are high levels of TH-2 cells in the presence of what?
allergy reactions
what is the lifespan of neutrophils?
up to 1 week
what are the 3 types of lymphocytes?
NK cells, B cells and T cells
what is a booster immunization?
boost immune memory, promoting active immunity
define passive immunity
transferred from one person to another (e.g. to fetus from mother via breastmilk, from medications)
what are the functions of antibodies?
neutralize or mark for destruction (by phagocytic cells)
what is the function of T-helper cells?
activate B cells and secrete cytokines
what are some causes of decreased WBC numbers?
- autoimmune diseases
- chronic infection/inflammation
- immunodeficiencies
- drug therapy
- cancer
what is DiGeorge syndrome?
malformed thymus
define virulence
the power of a pathogen to produce disease
define pathogenicity
organism’s ability to evade or overcome body defenses
define port of entry
mechanism of getting into the body past endogenous defenses
what are the 2 mechanisms of infection?
- strength in numbers
- toxin production
what does the “strength in numbers” principle mean?
pathogen needs to be numerous enough to overtake body defenses and cause infection
define toxins
substances produced by pathogens that protect bacteria from host defenses and increase chance of success in infection
define microflora
microorganisms present on/in human body
define commensalism
relationship where the host is not negatively affected by bacteria
define mutualism
both bacteria and host benefit in a relationship
define parisitic
relationship where host is negatively affected by pathogen
define opportunistic pathogens
any microorganism causing disease if an opportunity arises (immunocompromised, elderly, newborn, etc.)
what are the 3 main groups of parasites?
protozoa, helmiths, arthropods