Question

How do antibodies assist in the elimination of microbes by phagocytes?

Activity 1.4 Clinical Case Scenario

A 2 year old boy is sent for immunologic testing because of recurring respiratory infections, including several bouts of pneumonia. The results show decreased immunoglobulin levels, especially IgG. Although his WBC count was within the normal range, the lymphocyte count was low. Flow cytometry was performed to determine the levels of different classes of lymphocytes. The result showed a decrease in CD4+ cells. The CD19+ lymphocyte population was normal.

A. How can the findings of the clinical scenario be interpreted?

B. How can this account for his recurring infections?

Answer 1

Phagocytosis is the process by which a cell uses its plasma membrane to engulf a large particle, giving rise to an internal compartment called the phagosome. It is one type of endocytosis. In a multicellular organism's immune system, phagocytosis is a major mechanism used to remove pathogens and cell debris.

Antibodies are part of the adaptive immune response and are generated by B cells in response to antigen exposure. The Fab region of the antibody binds to the antigen, whereas the Fc region of the antibody binds to an Fc receptor on the phagocyte, facilitating phagocytosis.

A.In my opinion these clinical findings says that the patient is RV positive decrease in CD4 + cells clearly indicate that the patient is HIV infected .The WBC count may not decreased at this time but decrease in IgG is also an indicator of this

B.Opportunistic infections (OIs) are infections that occur more frequently and are more severe in people with weakened immune systems, including people with HIV.

Many OIs are considered AIDS-defining conditions. That means if a person with HIV has one of these conditions, they are diagnosed with AIDS, the most serious stage of HIV infection.

This is based on my evaluation if further doubt or anything is to cleared plz comment below.