Immune System

Immune System
Kaplan University
Ryan Sedam

Immune System

The immune system is a constant fighting weapon our body uses in order to help
diminish and fight off infection. The innate immune system is the first line of defense after
infection and helps with the earlier recognition of other pathogens. The immune system acts
defensively after the detection of the pathogen by which the body starts triggering mechanisms to
help fight the infection. Some of these mechanisms include pro-inflammatory and antimicrobial
responses that begin attacking the infection in order to diminish or prevent further spread.
Two different infections that can cause this harm to the immune system is both fungal and
patristic infections. There are a few differences between the two in which I will explain. They
both cause different diseases to humans, animals, and plants. Fungus is classified under the
kingdom fungi and live all over plants contributing to their ecosystem. They also help speed up
the decomposition process of dead materials and are more genetically closer to animals. Parasites
belong to fewer more kingdoms than fungi such as protozoa, and bacteria. Parasites also cause
damage to any of its hosts whereas fungi has its greatest impacts on humans and plants. Fungi
also holds a value in which it can be used to make antibiotics and is also used widely in the food
industry as a fermentation product. Parasites usually are dependent upon a host whereas fungi is
not making it harder to live in certain conditions. Some examples of parasites are ringworm, lice,
ticks, and tapeworm.
Now this leads us to immunocompromised patients which are patients with less than par
immune systems. Some of these patients might have diseases such as AIDs, cancer, pneumonia,
and even some bone marrow disorders. The immune system is impacted by the reduction of
white blood cells to help fight infection and sometimes even side effects of medicine can
increase risks of further infections. This changes dramatically with the condition of the patient
and also the treatment regime they may have to follow. Infections compromise their lives

Immune System
because it weakens the immune system even more increasing the impact of the infection. This
increases healing time and impairs the body to fight off infections more quickly leaving them
prone to further infection from other diseases.
The immune system is very important in fighting off these pathogens that is why its
important to try and remain vigilant of your surroundings whether its washing your hands,
steering clear of busy places, or just simply getting those vaccinations each year.

Immune System

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References

Pommerville, Jeffrey C. Fundamentals of Microbiology, 10th Edition. Jones & Bartlett Learning,
2014. VitalSource Bookshelf Online.