lab assessment Flashcards
What are the three major proteins of natural immunity?
Interferon, Lysozome, Complement
What is the main fxn of the complement system?
Integral part of both the inflammatory process and host defenses against infection
What are the three ways complement can be activated?
classical, lectin, alternative
What is the key enzyme of complement activation where all three pathways converge?
C3 convertase
What are the results of the activation of complement?
opsonization, inflammation, cytolysis
Describe classical pathway of complement activation
Activated when IgM or IgG antibodies bind to antigens (viral, bacterial or autoantigens)
C1: C1r and C1s.
Describe lectin pathway of complement activation
Similar to classical except that antibody is replaced by a lectin such as MBP. Activate C4 and C2
Describe the alternative pathway of complement activation
Does not require the presence of antibodies or lectins. Continuously activated at a low level
C3 binds to target
What does the C3b fragment do to the target?
Deposition of C3b marks the target for immune adherence and then elimination by phagocytic cells.
What does C3a, C4a, and C5a do to the target?
they’re anaphylatoxins so they assemble the membrane attack complex
What happens as a result of the actions of complement?
Chemotaxis. Release of mediators.
Activation of macrophages, epithelial cells and most types of immunocompetent cells. Contraction of smooth muscles. Dilation of blood vessels. Exudation of plasma
When should you measure complement?
In cases of recurrent infection w/ normal WBCs and no immunosuppression. Diagnose Auto-antibody-mediated immune syndromes. Diagnose immune complex-mediated syndromes
What is an example of an auto-antibody mediated immune syndromes?
autoimmune hemolytic anemia
What some examples of immune complex-mediated syndromes?
lupus, Sjogren’s glomerulonephritis
What is a CH50 test used for?
screening test to detect deficiencies in classical pathway. (lupus, RA)
What is the AH50 test used for?
screening test to detect deficiencies in alternative pathway
What are individual complement assays of C3 and C4 used for?
to determine whether deficiencies or abnormalities in the complement system are causing, or contributing to, a patient’s disease or condition.
What are some diseases where you would see decreased complement levels?
Recurrent microbial infections, Autoimmune diseases, angioedema, Various types of kidney disease, Malnutrition, Septicemia, Serum sickness
What are commonly used tests for immunodeficiency?
CBC and differential. Antibody detection methods (IgM, IgG, IgA). Quantification and separation of Ig levels. Testing for cell mediated immunity
What does a CBC establish?
the presence or absence of lymphopenia, and any associated gross hematologic abnormalities
Describe a WBC and differential
Sensitive, but non-specific test that rises with bacterial, viral and some rheumatologic diseases
What are bands?
Less mature neutrophils that have recently been released from the bone marrow into the bloodstream. Nucleus is not segmented, but has a band or rod-like shape
When do you expect to see neutrophils and bands?
An increased need for neutrophils, as with an acute bacterial infection, will cause an increase in both the total number of mature neutrophils and the less mature bands.
What does the term shift to the left mean?
that the bands have increased, indicating an infection in progress
What is neutropenia?
a decrease in neutrophils
With what kind of infections would you expect to see a decreased neutrophil count?
viral diseases (hepatitis, flu, rubella, rubeola, mumps)
What are some types of medications that can reduce the neutrophil count?
antibiotics, lithium, phenothiazines, TCAs