Serodiagnosis of bacterial diseases is of value only in specific circumstances. IgG antibody is long-lived, and its presence, although indicative of previous infection or immunization, gives little or no information on current bacterial infection. IgM antibody is usually produced within days to a few weeks after exposure to antigen, (more…)
Serum sickness syndrome was first recognized in the pre antibiotic era when heterologous antiserum was used as passive immunization for treatment of a number of infectious and toxic illnesses. Today, specific serum therapy with heterologous (usually equine) serum or gamma globulin is restricted to passive immunization for a very few toxic diseases and the use of antilymphocyte (ALG) or antithymocyte (ATG) globulin for immunosuppressive therapy. This is not applicable to active immunization. (more…)
Influenza, commonly known as “the flu,” is a contagious disease caused by a virus. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death. When someone who has influenza sneezes, coughs, or even talks, the influenza virus is expelled into the air and may be inhaled by anyone close by.
Each year, approximately 10% to 20% of the American population get sick with the flu. Approximately 200,000 hospitalizations occur due to influenza-associated illness each year. About 36,000 Americans die each year from flu and complications arising from flu. (more…)