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Immune System Disorders and HIV/AIDS

Author: Amanda Soderlind

Immune System Disorders

Source: Video and Images Created by Amanda Soderlind

Video Transcript

HIV and AIDS

Source: Video and Images Created by Amanda Soderlind

Video Transcript

Video Transcription

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Terms to Know
AIDS

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, AIDS is caused by the HIV virus. A person with AIDS has a very low helper T-cell count. This makes it difficult for the immune system to coordinate responses against infections.

Allergy

A hypersensitivity (overreaction) to environmental substances called allergens. An allergic response is carried out by the release of histamine and is basically an inflammatory response.

Anaphylactic Shock

Shock is a general term to describe a severe drop in blood pressure; anaphylactic shock is caused by an extreme allergic reaction that causes blood volume and blood pressure to drop as a result of excessive histamine release and inflammation.

Autoimmunity

When the immune system recognizes a self antigen as being foreign and attacks it; when the immune system attacks our own tissues/organs.

HIV

A virus that causes the disease known as AIDS.

Immunodeficiency

A general term used to describe a person that has a weakened/compromised immune system. Immunodeficiencies cause a person to be susceptible to opportunistic infections, which are infections you wouldn’t normally get with a healthy immune system.

Lupus

Known as systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect any organ system. Lupus can be very difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms may mimic other diseases.

Retrovirus

A virus whose genetic information is in the form of RNA rather than DNA.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune disease where the immune system produces autoantibodies against the connective tissue capsules of synovial joints. This causes severe inflammation and disfigurement of synovial joints, especially noticeable in the hands and feet.

Type I Diabetes

A metabolic disease known as diabetes mellitus, type I diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes the destruction of pancreatic β cells. β cells are responsible for producing and secreting insulin, so when a person loses these cells they have a difficult time metabolizing glucose.