Question

Case 3: 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 of IgG. Although his WBC count was within the normal range, the lymph count was low. Flow cytometry was performed to determine the levels of different classes of lymphocytes. The results showed a decrease in CD4+ cells. The CD19+ lymph population was normal. (5) a. How can these findings be interpreted? Which cell type is this patient lacking and what could be the outcomes of that shortage? b. How can this account for his recurring infections?

Answer 1

1.

In the given case, the 2 year old boy is suffering from recurrent infection and low immune activity, the immunological findings reveals that the patient has low IgG count and WBC count is normal but is identified to have low lymph count. Lymphocytes are the immune cells in human body that contains several types of cells that has the tendency to fight against the infection and provide immune support to the body.

The recent findings shows that CD4+ cells are limited, these cells are WBC cells that polay an important role in immune system. These cells are also known as T cells or helper cells. These cells are known as helper cells as they coordinate immune response by stimulating other immune cells such as beta lymphocytes, macrophages etc.

One major infectious disease known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus is major cause for reduced CD4+ count in human body, this infection reduces the count of the T cells and weakens the immune system that makes human body prone to infections and diseases.

2.

Interpreting this entier case, it can be sensed that the CD4+ count is limited and this can lead to weakened immune function that is the cause of recurring respiratory infection in the patient. The relevant explanation to this condition can be due to some genetic disease or HIV.