Page 68 - 78 glossary of hivaids-related terms_opt

Immune Reconstitution Syndrome (IRS)
Also known as immune restoration disease (IRD) or immune
reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). An inflammatory
reaction that can occur when an immunocompromised person’s
immune system improves, such as when a person with HIV disease
begins anti-HIV treatment and experiences an increase in CD4
cell count. Fever, along with swelling, redness, or discharge at the
site of an injury or infection, may signal that an infection that was
previously unnoticed by a weak immune system is now a target of
a stronger immune system. Although IRS indicates that a person’s
immune system has grown healthier, it can be a serious, sometimes
fatal condition and must be treated aggressively.
I
Immune Response
The body’s defensive reaction to a foreign invader, such as a virus,
bacterium, or fungus. The immune response includes both humoral
(antibody-based) and cell-mediated immunity.
See Also: Cell-Mediated Immunity
Humoral Immunity

Immune System
The collection of cells and organs whose role is to protect the body
from foreign invaders. Includes the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, B
and T cells, and antigen-presenting cells.

Immunity
Protection against or resistance to disease.

Immunization
See: Vaccination

Immunocompetent
Able to mount a normal immune response.

Immunocompromised
Unable to mount a normal immune response because of an
impaired immune system.

66 HIV/AIDS Glossary