Immune status (IS) is a set of quantitative and functional indicators reflecting the state immune system person in this moment time. This concept was introduced to objectively assess the state of the human immune system. The study of immunity parameters in immune disorders should include studies of the quantity and functional activity of the main components of the immune system. All dysfunctions of the immune system are classified based on the manifestations of various diseases. There are primary and secondary immunodeficiencies, autoimmune, allergic and lymphoproliferative diseases.
To assess the functioning of all components of the immune system, the T and B immune systems, phagocytic and complement systems, quantitative and functional methods. To assess the humoral component of immunity, the following studies are performed: determination of the production of immunoglobulins of different classes in blood serum; determination of the relative and absolute content of B-lymphocytes and their subpopulations, complement components and circulating immune complexes, functional tests (blast transformation reaction with mitogens), determination of specific antibodies, skin tests.
To assess the T-cell link, studies are carried out to determine the relative and absolute number of T-lymphocytes and their subpopulations (T-helpers, CTLs), natural killer cells, their activation markers, functional tests (blast transformation reaction with mitogens), and determination of cytokine production.
The state of the phagocytic system is assessed using many tests: the adhesive ability of neutrophils to adhere to nylon fibers; migration, chemotaxis in the reaction of inhibition of neutrophil migration; metabolic activity and education active forms oxygen for the reduction of nitro blue tetrazolium; phagocytic activity of neutrophils in tests of spontaneous and stimulated by microbial polysaccharides phagocytosis; immunophenotyping of neutrophils.
Previously, these methods were divided into Level 1 and Level 2 tests. Level 1 tests are indicative and are aimed at identifying gross defects in the immune system. Level 2 tests are aimed at identifying a specific “breakdown” in the immune system.
Level 1 tests
- determination of the relative and absolute number of leukocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes and platelets in peripheral blood;
- determination of functional activity of neutrophils (NST test);
- immunophenotyping tests to determine the relative and absolute number of T- and B-lymphocytes, natural killer cells;
- determination of the concentration of immunoglobulins of the main classes (IgA, IgM, IgG, IgE);
- determination of hemolytic activity of complement.
Using a minimal set of tests, primary immunodeficiencies can be diagnosed: chronic granulomatous disease, X-linked agamma globulinemia, hyper-IgM syndrome, selective deficiency IgA, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, severe combined immunodeficiency.
Level 2 tests
- immunophenotyping tests to determine the relative and absolute number of populations and subpopulations of T-, B-, NK-lymphocytes;
- lymphocyte activation markers;
- assessment of the various stages of phagocytosis and the receptor apparatus of phagocytic cells;
- determination of the main classes and subclasses of immunoglobulins;
- circulating immune complexes;
- determination of the concentration of complement components in blood serum (C3, C4, C5, C1 inhibitor);
- functional activity of various subpopulations of lymphocytes;
- assessment of the proliferative activity of T- and B-lymphocytes;
- study of interferon status;
- skin tests, etc.
The set of indicators obtained during an immunological examination is called immunogram.
It should be especially emphasized that a full analysis of the immunogram is possible only in combination with the clinical condition and medical history of the patient. Absence of characteristic changes in the immunogram with severe clinical symptoms should be considered an atypical reaction of the immune system, which is an aggravating sign of the disease. The patient data obtained is compared with the average values for that analyte obtained in the patient's region of residence. Average statistical indicators vary depending on the region and are subject to climatic and geographical conditions, environmental conditions, and living conditions. The patient's age and circadian rhythms must also be taken into account.
The study of IP indicators has great importance for diagnostics and differential diagnosis, especially in primary immunodeficiencies and lymphoproliferative diseases, to assess the severity, activity, duration and prognosis of various diseases, and assess the effectiveness of treatment.
Nonspecific indicators of immune status
Immunodiagnostics – this is the use of immunological reactions and methods for the purpose of assessing immune status, laboratory diagnosis of diseases, as well as for identifying antigens.
All immunodiagnostic methods are divided into 2 groups:
General non-specific methods , characterizing the state of various parts of the immune system: lymphocytes, granulocytes, macrophages, complement. They are usually used to identify a defect in SI, i.e. for immunodeficiencies.
Specific methods , allowing the identification of antibodies, immune T-lymphocytes, antigens in the human body or pathogen antigens in the external environment. These methods are used to diagnose infections, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.
Immune status – this is the state of SI of a healthy or sick person at a certain moment of ontogenesis under specific conditions environment .
In particular, immune status a child differs from that of an adult. It also changes under the influence of adverse influences.
To assess the immune status, the determination of nonspecific and specific indicators is used. Assessment of immune status is the process of obtaining a set of quantitative and functional indicators that reflect the state of the SI. It is carried out to identify the nature of immunopathology - immunodeficiency and allergic diseases.
To do this, first, a medical history is taken from the patient and a general clinical examination is performed. What is important in it is the blood formula - the number of leukocytes different types: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, lymphocytes. Leukocytosis - an increase in the total number of leukocytes (more than 9x10 9 / l) is often observed during infections; leukopenia - a decrease in their number (less than 4 x10 9 / l) - with autoallergy; eosinophilia - an increase in the number (more than 3%) of eosinophils with exogenous allergies, etc. However, these data are usually insufficient and a more detailed definition of populations, subpopulations of leukocytes and humoral immune factors is necessary.
Characteristics of T-lymphocytes
1. Determine the total number of leukocytes, blood count and lymphocyte count. Normally, lymphocytes are 20-36% among other leukocytes (about 2000 cells in 1 mm 3 of blood).
2. Count percentage and number of T-lymphocytes. Normally, among blood lymphocytes there are 50-70% of them (1000-1400 cells in 1 mm 3 of blood).
A simple method for determining T cells: counting the number (percentage) of lymphocytes that form rosettes with sheep erythrocytes using CD2-AG:
an equal volume of 1% suspension of washed sheep erythrocytes is added to the leukocyte suspension and incubated at 37 0 C for 15 minutes and overnight at 4 0 C;
the sediment is resuspended, a glutaraldehyde solution is added to a final concentration of 0.06% to fix the rosettes, and smears are immediately made;
the smears are dried, fixed with alcohol and stained according to Romanovsky-Giemsa;
count the percentage of T-lymphocytes that have bound three or more red blood cells;
Currently, the general population of T lymphocytes is detected using labeled monoclonal antibodies to CD antigens (CD2, CD3) in an immune fluorescence reaction (taking into account the results on a fluorescent microscope, on a flow cytometer) or in a reaction with particles coated with such antibodies. Normally, in a person’s blood, among all lymphocytes, 55-80% are T cells.
3. The content of T-helpers and T-suppressors is determined using monoclonal antibodies to CD4 (Tx) and CD8 (Tc) antigens.
In humans, 33-46% Tx, 17-25% Tc are normally found in the blood, the Tx/Tc ratio = 1.4-2.0 - the immunoregulatory index. In case of illness, this index changes. For example, with AIDS it decreases (0.04), because are inhibited by Tx (the receptor for the AIDS virus is the Tx CD4 antigen). For autoimmune and allergic diseases, the index is greater than 2.0.
4. To identify activated T cells, IL-2 receptors (CD25), HLA-DR antigens and CD71 (transferrin receptor) are determined.
5. Determine the level of various cytokines in the blood (usually using an enzyme immunoassay).
The functional indicators of T-lymphocytes are also studied: proliferative activity (see RBTL, RPML), cytotoxic and cytokine activity. T-lymphocyte counts decrease in T-cell immunodeficiencies.
Characteristics of B lymphocytes
1. The total number of B lymphocytes can be determined using monoclonal antibodies to antigens CD19-CD22, CD72. Antibodies to immunoglobulins, which are found on the surface of B lymphocytes, are also used. B lymphocytes make up 17-25% of all lymphocytes (600-800 cells in 1 mm 3 of blood). Sometimes B lymphocytes are identified that have receptors for mouse erythrocytes (10-15%), constituting only part of the B subpopulation.
2. Products of B-lymphocytes - immunoglobulins G, M, A classes in blood serum and various biological fluids are determined using radial immunodiffusion in agar – Mancini precipitation reactions.
To do this, pour 2% agar mixed with anti-IgG antibodies onto one glass plate (or Petri dish); on the second plate - with antibodies against IgM, on the 3rd - against IgA. After solidification, wells with a diameter of 2 mm are made in the agar. Standard serum with a known concentration of IgG, IgM, IgA is added to one row of wells on each plate. The patient's blood serum to be tested is added to other wells.
Rice. 5.1. Simple radial immunodiffusion in agar for the determination of antigens (immunoglobulins)
Immunoglobulins diffuse into the agar and a precipitation ring zone is formed at the meeting point with the antibodies that are in the agar. The diameter of this ring depends on the concentration of Ig (the more Ig, the larger the diameter). The diameter of the precipitation zone is measured for three dilutions of standard serum and a graph of the dependence of the square of the diameter of the precipitation ring (D) on the amount of Ig in the blood serum is plotted on semi-logarithmic paper (Fig. 5.1). Then the diameter of the precipitation ring of the test serum is measured, plotted on the plotted graph and the concentration of immunoglobulin is determined. To determine secretory IgA (in saliva, etc.), a similar method is used in two versions: IgA (a-chain) and its secretory component are determined using appropriate antibodies.
Standards for adults: 0.8-2 g/l IgM; 8.0-13.0 g/l IgG; 1.4-3.0 g/l IgA. In newborns, the IgG level is close to the maternal level, IgM and IgA are present in trace concentrations; by 4-6 months. the IgG level drops to 5-6 g/l and then increases. With normal development of children, the level of immunoglobulins by the age of 2 is close to their values in adults.
The level of secretory IgA in saliva is 0.03-0.4 g/l.
With immunodeficiency, the level of immunoglobulins decreases (hypogammaglobulinemia), and with stimulation of SI and inflammation, it increases (hypergammaglobulinemia).
The level of natural (against blood group antigens, animal red blood cells, etc.) and immune (to common bacterial and viral antigens, vaccines) antibodies is determined. It is reduced (or antibodies are absent) in immunodeficiencies
Characteristics of the granulocyte and monocyte system
1. Determine the number of leukocytes in the blood and the ratio of their types (neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes).
2. Evaluate absorption and digestive activity of phagocytes: A suspension of a washed daily culture of staphylococci is added to a suspension of leukocytes or a drop of blood. Prepare 3 samples, incubate at 37 0 C, 1st sample for 45 minutes, 2nd - 60 minutes, 3rd - 90 minutes. Smears are made, dried, fixed with ethanol and stained according to Romanovsky.
The phagocytic index and phagocytic number are determined.
Phagocytic number – this is the average number of particles or microorganisms in one phagocyte (the norm for staphylococci is 6-12, candida is 2-4).
Phagocytic index– this is the number of phagocytes participating in phagocytosis, having absorbed particles (normal – 60-80%).
Evaluation of indicators at different time intervals allows us to assess the dynamics of phagocytosis. Normally, after 90 minutes, the phagocytic index should be lower than after 45 minutes and 60 minutes, due to the digestion of microbes. If digestion is disrupted, it does not change.
Digestion microbes can be assessed by plating leukocyte lysates (after incubation with microbes) on nutrient media and counting the grown colonies. The method involves the use of living microorganisms as an object of phagocytosis. After incubation with microbes (see above), phagocytes are pelleted by centrifugation, washed and lysed. Their lysates are plated on a solid nutrient medium. The digestive activity of phagocytes is assessed by the number of grown colonies.
Metabolic activity phagocytes are determined in Nitro blue tetrazolium reduction test (NST test) after painting them with a 0.25% solution of this dye. Normally, nitro blue tetrazolium stains (diffusely and in the form of blue clumps) 15-18% of neutrophils; during infections, their number increases to 40% or more.
Indicators of phagocytes decrease with corresponding immunodeficiencies, and increase with a favorable course of infection.
3. Differentiation, activation and adhesion antigens (CD14, CD11, CD18, HLA-DR, etc.) are determined on phagocytes using monoclonal antibodies.
4. Receptors for the C3 component of complement, immunoglobulins, etc. are identified.
5. Spontaneous and directed migration (chemotaxis) is assessed.
6. Determine the ability to secrete cytokines (IL-1, TNF, etc.) and their level in the blood.
Characteristics of the complement system
1. Determine the hemolytic activity of complement in the hemolysis reaction using the hemolytic system. This system consists of sheep red blood cells treated with hemolytic serum.
The determination of complement is based on the ability of its activation products to cause lysis of red blood cells coated with antibodies. The degree of hemolysis is used to judge the hemolytic activity of complement.
The hemolytic unit (CH50) is used as a unit of measurement for complement - the amount of complement that causes 50% lysis of a 3% suspension of erythrocytes sensitized by antibodies at a temperature of 37 0 C for 45 minutes. Complement titration comes down to determining the number of CH50 hemolytic units in a specific volume of serum. To do this, a standard amount of sensitized erythrocytes is added to various doses of serum. Then, using the red blood cell lysis scale with distilled water, the number of CH50 units is found.
The degree of hemolysis during complement titration can be determined by photometric methods (using a spectrophotometer, photocolorimeter, nephelometer) or visually by comparing the intensity of hemolysis in test tubes with a standard scale of lysed erythrocytes.
2. Activation products C4a, C3a, C5a, etc. are identified.
The body's immune system is a person's natural defense against disease. IN calm state this system has millions of cells, with the onset of the disease the body produces new cells - leukocytes, specific antibodies, etc. To assess the state of human immunity, it is used special study immunological blood test. This test may include several parameters for research or be complex.
What is an immunogram
During intrauterine development The child's body is protected by the mother's immunity. After birth, children's immunity is quite weak, but with age, the body's defenses gradually strengthen. If natural defense is not enough to fight the infection, drug treatment should be carried out. Frequent tendency to various diseases may be a consequence of weakened immunity, in which case an immunological blood test is prescribed.
A blood test for immunity is called an immunogram. It's complex laboratory test blood. Cerebrospinal fluid can also be used as a biological material. The test is carried out in laboratory conditions. The analysis can be carried out on one or several parameters. Many commercial laboratories offer “batch” type medical testing. In this case, for example general analysis“Immunoglobulins A, M, G” costs less than a separate study of immunoglobulins of each type.
When is the test ordered?
There are a number medical indications when it is necessary to take a blood test to determine your immune status. The concern is the patient's exposure to viruses and various infections. There are systemic lesions of the body that can be caused by radiation or chemotherapy, severe infectious diseases, poisoning by toxins. Local lesions are caused by local damage to immune cells due to inflammatory and infectious processes.
The doctor prescribes a test to check the immune status for the following conditions.
- Detection of immunodeficiency virus in a patient. In this case, it is necessary for every patient to donate blood for an immunogram, regardless of their health and the presence of concomitant diseases.
- Chronic bronchitis, sinusitis and other pathological conditions.
- Development oncological diseases And cancerous tumors. During the development of cancer, the body begins to produce a large number of antibodies, which are used to fight cancer cells. But malignant cells divide and grow much faster than antibodies, as a result the immune system is greatly weakened and the body becomes vulnerable to other diseases.
- Metabolic diseases ( diabetes etc.). Patients with diabetes experience slow tissue healing, which can lead to severe inflammation.
- Gastrointestinal diseases, especially chronic ones.
- Disruption of the power supply system. An analysis of immune status is required when the body is exhausted. It is also advisable to determine the state of immunity for people with dietary restrictions (veganism, strict diet, etc.).
- Organ transplantation. Immunology is performed before and after surgery.
- Sudden weight loss for no apparent reason.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome due to prolonged exposure to stressful conditions.
At some point in life, every person should think about the state of their immune system. There are a large number of diseases and pathogenic microorganisms (hepes virus, Helicobacter pylori, etc.) that do not show activity in healthy body. If immunity decreases, there is a risk of developing or exacerbating chronic diseases.
Study parameters
Immunity analysis is carried out according to the appropriate parameters, which are indicated in the direction of the attending physician based on the patient’s health condition.
The analysis is interpreted by an immunologist.
An immunochemical test may consist of various parameters for which there is a corresponding standard.
When assessing the patient’s condition in an immunity analysis, the doctor considers each group of parameters separately. Determining the amount of immunoglobulins of different types makes it possible to identify infections and track their development path. Based on the ratio and quantity of antibodies, we can conclude the severity of the disease.
Determining the level of lymphocytes allows you to quickly identify a lack of any type of white blood cells. Their phagocytic activity reflects the ability of cells to engulf harmful bacteria and viruses within the body. The circulating immune complex test measures how well the immune system forms the antigen-antibody chain. This process creates the body's response to the introduction of pathogenic microorganisms.
It is better to take tests in a well-equipped laboratory with a positive reputation. Immune status and analysis to study human immunity are important components of treatment. Immune system disorders can be congenital or develop gradually throughout life. Assessing the state of the body's defense system is relevant, first of all, for those patients who are susceptible to frequent colds, chronic inflammatory diseases(herpes, hepatitis, gastrointestinal diseases, etc.).
In contact with
Immune status is an indicator of the state of the immune system, which must be checked in the presence of certain pathologies and conditions. The quantitative and qualitative indicator of immunity is studied through complex laboratory tests. An immunogram may be required both for diagnostic purposes in the presence of a separate symptom complex, and to assess the prognosis of a serious illness.
Immunity testing allows you to determine functional state and quantitative parameters of immunity in a particular period of life. These indicators differ in at different ages and under certain conditions, including pregnancy and lactation.
Special tests can identify serious abnormalities, which will help you choose the right treatment. Immunity disorders have several factors, so diagnosis must be comprehensive and take into account all parameters.
For what diseases and conditions does the doctor prescribe a study:
- primary immunodeficiency to confirm the diagnosis and conduct differential diagnostics;
- persistent rise in temperature bodies for a long period of time for no apparent reason;
- deterioration of health against the background of long-term use of immunomodulators;
- frequent colds, herpetic and viral infections.
Which doctor prescribes an immunogram?
A blood test for immune status is performed by an immunologist. Any other specialist who notices disturbances in the functioning of the immune system can refer you for diagnosis. An immunogram for a child may be required at the stage of formation of immune defense, when the pediatrician notes manifestations typical of immunodeficiency.
For what diseases
An extended immunogram to determine the immune status is needed for disorders that are conventionally divided into 3 groups. First- pathologies requiring mandatory examination, second- conditions that require differential diagnosis, third- diseases that require assessment of severity.
Diseases and conditions for which an immunogram is required include:
- suspicion of genetically determined (congenital) immunodeficiency and AIDS;
- previous transplantation, blood transfusion;
- malignant tumors (increased Ca-125 levels);
- conducting immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory treatment;
- autoimmune pathologies;
- some severe infections, allergies.
The attending physician decides to conduct an immunogram for recurrent fungal infections, helminthic infestation, infections of the digestive system. The study may be required after an organ transplant and is mandatory after a blood transfusion.
Preparing for analysis
Detailed immunogram- a complex diagnostic technique that requires careful preparation. A blood test for immunity (status) is given only after a number of conditions are met, without which the results cannot be considered reliable.
Important! The tests have contraindications. It makes no sense to get tested during infectious processes, because the results will be distorted. The study is not carried out for sexually transmitted diseases, during pregnancy and if HIV is suspected (it must first be diagnosed and an analysis done with knowledge of the result).
To test your immunity, you need the following preparation:
- You need to give up food 8-12 hours in advance, so donate blood in the morning on an empty stomach;
- in the morning before the test you can drink only clean water;
- within a few days you need to give up active sports;
- eliminate stress and anxiety;
- Avoid drinking alcohol the day before the procedure.
Immunogram and immune status - what is it?
Immune status (advanced)- this is a quantitative and qualitative characteristic of work different organs immunity and defense mechanisms.
Immunogram is a way to study the immune status, a blood test to determine the state of the main indicators of immunity.
Without determining the immune status, when there are indications for an immunogram, the risk of deterioration of a person’s condition is high, because without an accurate diagnosis it is almost impossible to select adequate therapy. Primary and secondary immunodeficiencies are deadly. Their complications will be recurrent bacterial and viral infections, increased risk of cancer, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular pathologies.
The most important indicator of condition is immunoglobulins:
- IgA- provide resistance to toxins, are responsible for the preservation of the condition of the mucous membranes;
- IgM- the former resist pathological microorganisms; the presence of an acute inflammatory process can be determined by their quantity;
- IgG- their excess indicates a chronic inflammatory process, since they appear some time after the influence of the irritant;
- IgE- participate in the development of an allergic reaction.
Assessment of immune status
The main methods for assessing immunological status are carried out in one or two stages. Screening test includes determination of quantitative indicators of blood serum, immunoglobulins, and allergy tests.
Advanced methods for assessing immune status include studying the phagocytic activity of neutrophils, T cells, B cells and the complement system. The first stage involves identifying defects in the immune system, and the second involves a detailed analysis. How long the study takes depends on the clinic and the diagnostic method (screening test or extended immunogram), but on average the duration of the test is 5-15 days.
Tests carried out at the first level
The first stage is an indicative level, it includes the following tests:
- Phagocytic indicators- number of neutrophils, monocytes, reaction of phagocytes to microbes.
- T-system- number of lymphocytes, ratio of mature cells and subpopulations.
- B-system- concentration of immunoglobulins, ratio of percentage and absolute number of B-lymphocytes in peripheral blood.
Tests conducted at the second level
The second stage is the analytical level, it includes tests such as:
- Phagocytic function- chemotaxis activity, expression of adhesion molecules.
- T-system analysis- cytokine production, lymphocyte activity, detection of adhesion molecules, allergic reaction is determined.
- B-system analysis- IgG immunoglobulins, secretory subclass IgG, are studied.
How to decipher an immunogram
Immunogram indicators differ in children and adults. Besides, normal values can vary greatly among people of the same age group. The norm varies up to 40%, so only an experienced doctor can decipher the result.
Normal indicators of immune status
Table with norms of immunological blood analysis - decoding of some values:
Reference! The numbers are different for a newborn, infant, teenagers, adult men and women.
Reasons for rejection
Impaired immune status has many causes, including:
- An increase in lgA levels is seen with chronic diseases hepatobiliary system, myeloma, alcohol poisoning. The indicator decreases when passing radiation therapy, intoxication chemicals, urticaria, autoimmune allergic reactions. In infants physiological norm there will be a low concentration of immunoglobulin. A decrease is also possible with vasodilation.
- An increase in IgG is observed when autoimmune pathologies, myeloma, with HIV (including when people undergo antiretroviral therapy), infectious mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus). A decrease in immunoglobulin is possible with long-term use of immunosuppressants, in children under six months old, and with radiation sickness.
- An increase in lgM is recorded in acute infectious processes, liver diseases, vasculitis, chronic tonsillitis tonsils High level observed during helminthic infestation. A decrease in the indicator is typical when the pancreas is not functioning properly and after its removal.
- An increase in antinuclear antibodies occurs with nephritis, hepatitis, and vasculitis. The indicator increases with acute glomerulonephritis, erysipelas, scarlet fever, and the activity of bacterial pathogens.
When the level of phagocytosis decreases, purulent and inflammatory processes. A reduced number of T-lymphocytes may indicate AIDS.
Diagnostic value of the procedure
The immunogram will be the most important diagnostic procedure if immunodeficiency conditions are suspected. It allows you to create the right treatment regimen, taking into account viral load in a separate period of time. An immunogram is recommended for complex diseases for the purpose of differential diagnosis. In this case, the results will be reliable only if the preparation rules are followed and when deciphered by a competent specialist.
Indicators may differ among athletes, people leading an active lifestyle, and those who prefer sedentary work. This and many other environmental factors must be taken into account in modern immunology when interpreting the results.
Primary immunodeficiencies
Primary immunodeficiencies are a congenital disorder characterized by decreased immunity, in which the body is unable to resist infections. They manifest themselves as frequent severe infectious diseases and resistance to standard therapy. Late diagnosis by determining the immune status causes the death of a child in the first months of life. TO fatal outcome cause various infections that the baby’s body does not fight.
Signs of primary immunodeficiencies will be:
- frequent infections (manifested by sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, meningitis and even sepsis);
- infectious inflammation of internal organs;
- autoimmune diseases;
- quantitative and qualitative changes in the blood formula;
- persistent digestive problems, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea;
- the need for several courses of antibacterial therapy;
- persistent enlargement of regional lymph nodes and spleen.
To confirm the diagnosis, a number of studies are carried out, including tests for interferon status, an immunogram for the presence of deviations in the body’s defense mechanisms, and molecular genetic testing.
In case of primary immunodeficiency, subcutaneous immunoglobulins are necessarily administered. Treatment includes drugs to combat emerging pathologies. Drug therapy involves taking antibiotics, antifungals or antivirals.
Secondary immunodeficiencies
Secondary immunodeficiencies appear throughout life under the influence of various factors that suppress different parts of the immune system. Such disorders can be diagnosed at any age, regardless of gender and field of activity. Acquired immunodeficiencies are characterized by the resistance of infections to therapy, while infectious processes can be both a cause and a consequence.
A secondary disorder is characterized by repeated infections with a severe course. In this case, they may be affected Airways, organs genitourinary system, gastrointestinal tract and CNS.
Where and how is immune status checked?
You can take tests for your immune status in the laboratories of large diagnostic and treatment centers. Due to the complexity of conducting research, not all clinics provide this service.
Research price
The cost of an immune status test will depend on the indications, the number of tests performed and the location of the laboratory. On average, the price of analysis varies from 2000 to 5000 rubles.
Biological material should be tested for immune status only under strict indications and with the direction of the attending physician. Before prescribing an immunogram, you may need to undergo a number of other studies.
The immune status of a person is a complex indicator of the state in which he is. The need to study it arises when a failure of the defense system is suspected. At the same time, the nature of the violations is revealed and the method for eliminating them is determined. Changes in the immune status must be detected in a timely manner. Otherwise, it is likely that quite serious illnesses(allergies, tumors and other pathologies).
Humoral (associated with fluid in the body) and cellular immunity affects the immune status, their condition is analyzed using separate tests included in the immunogram. The study allows you to determine the state of the body's defense system. As a result of the analysis, the specialist assesses the usefulness of the various links that make up the immune status. At the same time, all tests are important, since the protective function of the body is ensured by their joint actions.
The humoral component of a healthy immune system is capable of preventing the spread of pathogens (extracellular) viral and bacterial infections on initial period their penetration into the body. Humoral reactions are provided by B-lymphocytes and are carried out in Recognizing the pathogen (foreign agent), B-lymphocytes differentiate (transition) into which they produce (produce) antibodies - immunoglobulins (serum proteins). Immunoglobulins bind to the invading foreign agent, block its biological activity, and then remove it from the body. Thus, the direct action of immunoglobulins is carried out.
Participate in the activation of other immunological reactions that maintain normal immune status. For example, “killer cells” (NK and K cells) lyse (dissolve) completely foreign cells that are coated with immunoglobulins (Ig G).
By binding to antigen, immunoglobulins also activate a set of eleven serum proteins (the complement system). Some elements of the complement system have the ability to attack the cell membrane, provoking the death of a foreign cell, while other elements can delimit the area of inflammation and attract more leukocytes to it.
The humoral link, which is included in the immune status, is assessed by identifying and counting B-lymphocytes in the blood (in percentage and absolute numbers). Their functional activity (B-lymphocytes) is determined by the immunoglobulins they synthesize in response to B-cell stimulation. Determination of the presence of antibodies to the most common viruses and bacteria, the concentration of autoantibodies or immune complexes is carried out by measuring the total level of immunoglobulins and the amount in different classes(IgA, IgG, IgM).
It is important when diagnosing congenital immunodeficiencies with defects in this system. In other cases, for example, with autoimmune pathologies, data on the C4 and C3 components of complement are important.
