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Ch. 13 - Immune System Disorders
Norman-McKay- Microbiology: Basic and Clinical Principles 2nd Edition
Norman-McKay2nd EditionMicrobiology: Basic and Clinical PrinciplesISBN: 9780137661619Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksNorman-McKay 2nd EditionCh. 13 - Immune System DisordersProblem 15
Chapter 13, Problem 15

Which of the following is (are) true regarding primary immunodeficiencies? Select all that apply.
a. These disorders tend to be present from birth.
b. These disorders are also called congenital immunodeficiencies.
c. These disorders are more common in elderly patients.
d. Patients with these disorders may not have a familial history of immunodeficiencies.
e. Patients with these disorders tend to experience recurring, persistent, and severe infections, often caused by uncommon agents.

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1
Step 1: Understand the definition of primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs). These are genetic or congenital disorders that affect the immune system's ability to function properly, typically present from birth.
Step 2: Analyze option (a): Since PIDs are genetic or congenital, they tend to be present from birth. This aligns with the definition of primary immunodeficiencies.
Step 3: Analyze option (b): Because PIDs are present from birth, they are also called congenital immunodeficiencies, making this statement true.
Step 4: Analyze option (c): PIDs are not more common in elderly patients; rather, secondary immunodeficiencies (due to aging, infections, or other causes) are more common in that group. So this statement is false.
Step 5: Analyze options (d) and (e): Patients with PIDs may or may not have a familial history due to variable inheritance patterns, so (d) can be true. Also, these patients often experience recurring, persistent, and severe infections, often caused by uncommon pathogens, making (e) true.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Primary Immunodeficiencies

Primary immunodeficiencies are genetic disorders that impair the immune system's ability to fight infections. They are usually present from birth and result from inherited or spontaneous mutations affecting immune cells or molecules.
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Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

Patients with primary immunodeficiencies often experience recurrent, persistent, or severe infections, sometimes caused by unusual pathogens. These disorders are typically diagnosed in childhood but can vary in severity and may lack a clear family history.
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Terminology: Congenital vs. Acquired Immunodeficiencies

Primary immunodeficiencies are also known as congenital immunodeficiencies because they are present at birth due to genetic causes. In contrast, secondary or acquired immunodeficiencies develop later in life due to external factors like infections or aging.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

What is the general goal of treatments used for autoimmune disorders?

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Textbook Question

Imagine that one of your patients is an emergency medical technician who has a family history of autoimmune disorders and allergy, but she does not currently suffer from either. Which of the following is (are) most likely true of your patient? Select all that apply.

a. She is at an increased risk for cancer

b. She is at an increased risk for type I hypersensitivities

c. She is at an increased risk for type III hypersensitivities

d. She is at an increased risk for latex hypersensitivity

e. She is at an increased risk for immunosuppression

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Textbook Question

Which types of white blood cells are most likely to be involved in type I hypersensitivities? Select all that apply.

a. T helper cells

b. T cytotoxic cells

c. Basophils

d. Macrophages

e. Mast cells

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