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line of defence (skin, mucous membrane) Second line of defence (phagocytes) Third line of defence (lymphocytes)
Skin
Acts
as a physical barrier Made up of dead keratinized layer which is difficult to penetrate Sebaceous glands secrete sebum which contain lysozymes to destroy bacteria
Mucous membranes
Mucus
spores Cilia (respiratory tract) sweep the trapped particles to the pharynx. Gastric juices (in stomach) will killed microorganisms that enter the stomach.
If the pathogens are able to get past the first line of defence, for example, through a cut in your skin, and an infection develops, the second line of defence becomes active. Some WBC such as neutrophils act as phagocytes. They are attracted by the chemicals produced at the sites of infection. The phagocytes move towards the pathogens and engulf them by phagocytosis.
Lymphocytes are WBC found in the lymph nodes and in the blood circulatory system. Two types of lymphocytes:
T-lymphocytes
Attack
antibodies
Cont.
Antibody protein produced by lymphocytes in response to the presence of an antigen. Antigen foreign substance which stimulates the body to produce an immune response Antibodies are specific in action and promote the destruction of antigens in different ways.
After an infection, some lymphocytes remain in the body as memory cells. Memory lymphocytes help to defend the body against further infection by the same antigen.
Types of immunity
Immunity: the ability of an organism to defend itself against infection by pathogens. Types of immunity:
Active
Immunisation: the process by which an individual's immune system becomes fortified against an agent (known as the immunogen).
Types of immunity
Immunity
Active
Own antibodies
Natural
Exposure to infectious agent
Artificial
Immunization
Inherited natural immunity: inherited by individual through the placenta or mothers milk.
Active natural acquired immunity: acquired after a person recovers from an infection. Eg; measles or chickenpox.
Active artificial acquired immunity: Eg; vaccine (contains killed or weakened antigens). Active because the a/bodies produced by the body itself Artificial because it is obtained through vaccination. the process is known as immunisation.
Passive immunity
1.
2.
Passive natural immunity: when a/bodies from the mother transported across the placenta to the foetus. Lasts for a few months. Passive artificial immunity: injecting serum containing a specific a/bodies prepared from human/animals blood.
used to treat patient with serious ill. Eg: rabies, tetanus or snake bites Give temporary immunity.
AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is caused by HIV. HIV infects the helper T-cells (important to activate other lymphocytes in the bodys defence mechanisms against disease). Once infected, it takes a long incubation period before the symptoms appear. A persons immune system gradually decrease in function and tend to get infected by secondary infection such as pneumonia, meningitis and fungal diseases. He/she may develop a cancer. Eg: Kaposis sarcoma
Transmission of HIV
There are several possible ways in which the virus can enter. 1. Having sex with an infected partner 2. Injection-drug users who share needles or syringes that are contaminated with blood from an infected person. 3. Women can transmit HIV to their babies during pregnancy or birth, when infected maternal cells enter the baby's circulation, or through breastfeeding. 4. HIV can be spread in health-care settings through accidental needle sticks or contact with contaminated fluids.
Transmission of HIV
5.
6.
Transfusion of contaminated blood or blood components. The virus does not spread through casual contact such as preparing food, sharing towels and bedding, or via swimming pools, telephones, or toilet seats. The virus is also unlikely to be spread by contact with saliva, unless it is contaminated with blood.
Abstain from sex. Use a condom in other situations. Do not share needles or inject illicit drugs. If you work in a health-care field, follow recommended guidelines for protecting yourself against needle sticks and exposure to contaminated fluids. If you have engaged in risky behaviors, get tested to see if you have HIV. Strict screening of blood before transfusion. Awareness campaign and counseling.
Learning outcomes..
Atherosclerosis
Follow a well-balanced diet that is low in saturated fats, cholesterol and salt. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the heart, blood vessels, and lymph vessels. Participate in regular aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes three to four times per week. Avoid the use of tobacco products and exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke. Avoid illegal drugs including stimulants, marijuana and ecstasy.