immunity

• 1. initial exposure
  2. primary immune response
  3. secondary exposure
  4. secondary immune response

  
• In some cases the body fails to recognise “self” cells- it can attack healthy cells. This is known as autoimmune disease.
• SLE- systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease

  • “Butterfly rash”
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Joint aching and pain
  • Skin sensitivity to light

  Systemic- affects many organs including kidneys, liver, brain.

  Symptoms can vary making it difficult to diagnose.
• Immunosuppressant

  • immune system
  • suppression

  Common immunosuppressants include Azathioprine and Mycophenolate mofetil.
• Active immunity - Immunity you develop after being exposed to a pathogen
• Passive immunity - Immunity you acquire from someone or something else
• Natural active immunity occurs naturally within the body.
• Natural Passive Immunity is “Without active response”- In this case Immunity is acquired without an immune response.

  • Foetuses receive antibodies across the placenta
  • Babies receive the initial breast milk (colostrum) which is high in maternal antibodies (IgA)
  • These protect the baby until their own immune system can make its own antibodies
• Sometimes the body is unable to make the correct antibodies or enough antibodies to prevent disease.

  However antibodies can be extracted and injected into those who require them.

  There is a scientific term for this : artificial passive immunity

  “A passive immunity acquired by means of injection of serum containing antibodies to an individual who may have been infected with a particular pathogen.”
• Artificial Passive Immunity is temporary.

  The process is not activated by the immune system no memory lymphocytes will be generated.

  There will be no secondary response if required