Infection - Immunocompromised Host Flashcards

1
Q

What is an 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 is the difference between primary and secondary immunodeficiency?

A

Primary immunodeficiency is congenital, and due to an intrinsic gene defect. Secondary immunodeficiency is acquired, and due to an underlying disease/treatment

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3
Q

What are the characteristic signs of an immunodeficiency?

A

Infections which are:

  • severe
  • persistent
  • unusual
  • recurrent
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4
Q

What are the ‘10 warning signs’ used for?

A

They are used to diagnose an immunodeficiency

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5
Q

Give some limitations of the ‘10 warning signs’ for diagnosing immunodeficiencies

A
  • lack of population based evidence
  • PID patients may have different defects/presentations
  • PID patients may have non-infectious manifestations
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6
Q

What may be defective if the onset of ID symptoms comes younger than age 6 months?

A

A T-cell or phagocyte defect

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7
Q

What may be defective if the onset of ID symptoms comes between age 6 months and 5 years?

A

B-cell or antibody and phagocyte defect

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8
Q

What may be defective if the onset of ID symptoms comes when the patient is 5 years old or older?

A

B-cell/antibody/complement problem OR a secondary immunodeficiency

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9
Q

What is chronic granulomatous disease?

A

This is a hereditary disease where certain cells in the immune system are unable to form the reactive oxygen species (specifically the superoxide radical) which are used to kill ingested pathogens

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10
Q

Give some examples of supportive treatments for PID diseases

A
  • infection prevention
  • treat infections promptly and aggressively
  • nutritional support
  • no live vaccines!
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11
Q

Give some examples of specific treatments for primary immunodeficiency diseases

A
  • immunoglobulin therapy

- in SCID, can do haematopoietic stem cell therapy

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12
Q

Give some causes of secondary immune deficiencies

A

Decreased production of immune components due to:

  • malnutrition
  • infection
  • liver diseases
  • lymphoproliferative diseases
  • splenectomy
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13
Q

What are asplenic patients particularly at risk of?

A

Encapsulated bacteria infection and OPSI (overwhelming post-splenectomy infection)

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14
Q

How are asplenic patients protected from infection?

A
  • penicillin prophylaxis (life-long)
  • immunisation against encapsulated bacteria
  • medic alert bracelet
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15
Q

What does it suggest if someone constantly has problems with viruses and fungi?

A

T cell deficiency

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16
Q

What does it suggest if someone constantly has problems with bacteria and fungi?

A

B cell/granulocytes deficiency