Pathology of the Lymphatic and Immune Systems

Question 1

Lymphadenitis/swollen glands

Answer 1

The inflammation of the lymph nodes, that often indicates infection.

Question 2

Lymphadenopathy

Answer 2

Any disease process affecting a lymph node or nodes

Question 3

Lymphangioma

Answer 3

A benign tumor formed by an abnormal collection of lymphatic vessels due to a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system

Question 4

Splenorrhagia

Answer 4

Bleeding from the spleen

Question 5

Splenomealgy

Answer 5

Abnormal enlargement of the spleen. This condition can be due to bleeding caused by an injury, an infectious disease such as mononucleosis, or abnormal functioning of the immune system.

Question 6

Lymphoscintigraphy

Answer 6

A diagnostic test that is performed to detect damage or malformations of the lymphatic vessels. A radioactive substance is injected into lymph ducts, and a scanner or probe is used to follow the movement of the substance on a computer screen.

Question 7

Primary lymphedema

Answer 7

A hereditary condition of the lymphatic system that develops with swelling beginning in the feet and progressing into the ankles and in an upward direction along the legs. The disorder occurs most frequently in females when the symptoms begin to appear during puberty.

Question 8

Secondary lymphedema

Answer 8

Caused by damage to lymphatic vessels that is most frequently due to cancer treatment, surgery, trauma, or burns.

Question 9

Bioimpedance spectroscopy

Answer 9

A noninvasive method of diagnosing lymphedema. It measures the resistance to an electrical current passed through the affected limb, with abnormally low results showing a buildup of lymph. If this condition can be diagnosed with this technique at an early stage, there is hope that it will not develop any further.

Question 10

Allergic reaction

Answer 10

Occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to a harmless allergen such as pollen, food, or animal dander as if it were a dangerous invader.

Question 11

Allergy/hypersensitivity

Answer 11

An overreaction by the body to a particular antigen.

Question 12

Allergen

Answer 12

A substance that produces an allergic reaction in an individual.

Question 13

Localized allergic response/cellular response

Answer 13

Includes redness, itching, and burning where the skin has come into contact with an allergen. Although the body reacts mildly the first time it is exposed to the allergen, sensitivity is established, and future contacts can cause much more severe symptoms.

Question 14

Systemic reaction/anaphylaxsis/anyphylactic shock

Answer 14

A severe response to an allergen. The symptoms of this response develop quickly, and without prompt medical aid, the patient can die within a few minutes.

Question 15

Scratch test

Answer 15

A diagnostic test to identify commonly troublesome allergens such as tree pollen and ragweed. Swelling and itching indicate an allergic reaction

Question 16

Antihistamines

Answer 16

Medications administered to relieve or prevent the symptoms of hay fever, which is a common allergy to wind-borne pollens, and other types of allergies. Antihistamines work by preventing the effects of histamine, which is a substance produced by the body that causes the itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes of an allergic reaction.

Question 17

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)

Answer 17

An inherited condition in which abnormalities in the immune system cause an increased susceptibility to infection and failure to thrive as a result of infections. Although the condition is rare, it is now normally part of infants’ newborn screening.

Question 18

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Answer 18

A bloodborne infection in which the virus damages or kills the T cells of the immune system, causing it to progressively fail, thus leaving the body at risk of developing many life-threatening opportunistic infections.

Question 19

Opportunistic infection

Answer 19

Caused by a pathogen that does not normally produce an illness in healthy humans. However, when the host is debilitated, these pathogens are able to cause an infection.

Question 20

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Answer 20

The most advanced and fatal stage of the HIV virus.

Question 21

Kaposi’s sarcoma

Answer 21

An example of an opportunistic infection that is frequently associated with HIV. This cancer causes patches of abnormal tissue to grow under the skin; in the lining of the mouth, nose, and throat; or in other organs.

Question 22

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

Answer 22

A blood test used to screen for the presence of HIV antibodies, as well as Lyme disease and other infectious conditions.

Question 23

Western blot test

Answer 23

A blood test that produces more accurate results than the ELISA test. The western blot test is performed to confirm the diagnosis when the results of the ELISA test are positive for HIV. This is necessary because the ELISA test sometimes produces a false positive result in which the test erroneously indicates the presence of HIV.

Question 24

Bacilli

Answer 24

Rod-shaped, spore-forming bacteria

Question 25

Anthrax

Answer 25

A contagious disease that can be transmitted through livestock infected with Bacillus anthracis. Spores grown in laboratories have been used in biological warfare.

Question 26

Rickettsia

Answer 26

A small bacterium that lives in lice, fleas, ticks, and mites. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by a rickettsia that is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tick.

Question 27

Spirochetes

Answer 27

Long, slender, spiral-shaped bacteria that have flexible walls and are capable of movement.

Question 28

Lyme disease

Answer 28

transmitted to humans by the bite of a tick that has had contact with a deer infected with the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. It is named for Old Lyme, Connecticut, where it was first diagnosed. Symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash known as erythema migrans. If untreated, Lyme disease can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system. Syphilis is also caused by spirochetes.

Question 29

Staphylococci

Answer 29

A group of about 30 species of bacteria that form irregular groups or clusters resembling grapes. Most staphylococci are harmless and reside normally on the skin and mucous membranes of humans and other organisms; however, others are capable of producing very serious infections.

Question 30

Staphylococcus aureus

Answer 30

Also known as staph aureus, is a form of staphylococcus that often infects wounds and causes serious problems such as toxic shock syndrome or food poisoning.

Question 31

Streptococci

Answer 31

Bacteria that form a chain. Many streptococcal species are harmless; however, other members of this group are responsible for serious illnesses such as strep throat, meningitis, endocarditis, and necrotizing fascitis.

Question 32

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA

Answer 32

One of several types of bacteria that are now resistant to most antibiotics. The first symptom of MRSA looks like small, red bumps with a black top. These bumps soon become abscesses that require immediate care. MRSA infections are serious, difficult to treat, can be fatal, and often occur repeatedly as breaks in the skin allow the bacteria entry. These infections are becoming increasingly present in the general population.

Question 33

Malaria

Answer 33

Caused by a parasite that lives in certain mosquitoes and is transferred to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms develop from 1 to 4 weeks after being infected and include fever, shaking, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.

Question 34

Toxoplasmosis

Answer 34

A parasite that is most commonly transmitted from pets to humans by contact with contaminated animal feces. A pregnant woman should avoid such contact because it can cause diseases in the developing child such as microcephalus or hydrocephalus.

Question 35

Ebola

Answer 35

A rare and generally fatal disease transmitted by contact with any bodily fluids infected with the Ebola virus. Ebola can only be transmitted when symptoms are present. Early symptoms, which usually appear within 21 days of exposure, include high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Late symptoms include massive internal bleeding and organ failure.

Question 36

Influenza

Answer 36

A highly contagious viral respiratory infection that usually occurs in seasonal epidemics. Flu symptoms include fever, sore throat, muscle aches, cough, runny nose, and fatigue. Complications can include pneumonia. A vaccine is available annually to protect against the most common strains of influenza.

Question 37

Measles

Answer 37

An acute, highly contagious infection that is transmitted by respiratory droplets of the rubeola virus. Symptoms include a red, itchy rash over the entire body, a high fever, runny nose, and coughing. Serious complications of measles can include photophobia.

Question 38

Mumps

Answer 38

An acute viral infection that is characterized by the swelling of the parotid glands, which are the salivary glands located just in front of the ears. In adults, mumps can also cause painful swelling of the ovaries or testicles.

Question 39

Rubella/German measles/three-day measles

Answer 39

A viral infection characterized by a low-grade fever, swollen glands, inflamed eyes, and a fine, pink rash. Although not usually severe or long-lasting, rubella is serious in a woman during early pregnancy because it can cause defects in a developing fetus.

Question 40

Rabies

Answer 40

An acute viral infection that is transmitted to humans through the bite or saliva of an infected animal. An infected animal is said to be rabid. If risk is suspected, it is necessary to undergo testing immediately so that post-exposure treatment can be started as quickly as possible. Without testing and treatment, the signs and symptoms of rabies usually occur 30 to 90 days after the bite, and once symptoms have developed, rabies is almost always fatal.

Question 41

West nile virus

Answer 41

Spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. A mild form of this condition has flu-like symptoms. A more severe variety spreads to the spinal cord and brain. West Nile virus is a member of the Flavivirus genus, which also includes the viruses that cause the mosquito-borne tropical disease dengue fever.

Question 42

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Answer 42

Found in most bodily fluids. It is most often present as a silent infection in which the individual has no signs or symptoms of the infection, although it can potentially cause a serious illness when the individual has a weakened immune system, or when it is transmitted from the mother to her unborn child. This transmission can cause serious congenital disabilities to the child.

Question 43

Varicella/chicken pox

Answer 43

Caused by the herpes virus Varicella zoster and is highly contagious. The condition is characterized by a fever and a rash consisting of hundreds of itchy, fluid-filled blisters that burst and form crusts

Question 44

Herpes zoster/shingles

Answer 44

An acute viral infection characterized by painful skin eruptions that follow the underlying route of an inflamed nerve. This inflammation occurs when the dormant varicella virus is reactivated later in life. A vaccine is available to help prevent shingles, and is recommended for adults 60 years and older.

Question 45

Postherpetic neuralgia

Answer 45

A complication that may follow herpes zoster if nerve fibers have been damaged during the outbreak. The resulting pain can be severe and persistent.

Question 46

Infectious mononucleosis/mono

Answer 46

Caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. This condition is characterized by fever, a sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes. Swelling of the spleen or liver involvement can also develop.