Question

People with DiGeorge Syndrome are born without a thymus. Discuss, in detail, (250 words) the repercussions to body defense mechanisms caused by this disease.

Answer 1

People with DiGeorge syndrome are born without a thymus. There are repercussions to the body defense mechanisms caused by this disease

DiGeorge syndrome is caused by the deletion of a small segment of chromosome 22. This disease is inherited in the autosomal dominant pattern. It has some serious consequences on the defense mechanism of the body.

Thymus is necessary for the maturation of the T - lymphocytes. Therefore, the absence of thymus affects the T - lymphocytes mediated response of body's immune system. T - cells are involved in number of immune responses like killing of harmful foreign microorganisms and helping B - cells. Absence of thymus in DiGeorge syndrome leads to severe immunodeficient state in children and as a result of which they fail to thrive. Impaired production of T - lymphocytes results in low T - lymphocytes numbers and frequent viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. Patients suffering from DiGeorge syndrome are severely immunocompromised and thus requires prompt medical attention. Patients with DiGeorge syndrome also develops autoimmune disease at a rate that is higher than in the general population. The most common autoimmune diseases associated with DiGeorge syndrome are autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune arthritis, etc.

This is how, DiGeorge syndrome affects the defense mechanism of the body.