Chapter 14, Problem 5CT

(a)

Summary Introduction

To explain:

The reason why babies with agammaglobulinemia do not develop opportunistic infections until 6 months after birth.

Concept introduction:

Organism’s ability to resist infection or toxins by the action of white blood cells or specialized antibodies is known as immunity. The immunity is two types, passive immunity and active immunity. In “naturally acquired passive immunity” the antibodies are passed from mother to fetus such as IgG passes from mother’s blood to the fetus blood.

(b)

Summary Introduction

To explain:

The reason that why people with B-cell deficiencies can benefit from artificial passive immunotherapy, and also discuss whether these individuals could successfully be vaccinated against various microbes.

Concept introduction:

Passive artificial immunity occurs when an individual acquires antibodies that are actively produced in the donor’s body. It is characterized by lack of memory cells, lack of new antibodies, immediate response, and short-term effect.