Immunologic aspects of diseases of the eye

Article Abstract:

Immunologic disease can affect the skin surrounding the eye, the cornea, the iris and ciliary body and the retina. Allergic conjunctivitis involves the production of IgE antibodies in the conjunctiva following exposure to an airborne allergen. Some ophthalmic ointments and solutions can cause a contact allergy. Atopic keratoconjunctivitis is similar to atopic dermatitis. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis involves the production of IgE antibodies and is associated with warm climates. Many patients with cicatricial pemphigoid produce antibodies against the basement membrane of the conjunctiva. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is similar to cicatricial pemphigoid and may be a form of drug allergy. The herpes simplex virus and bacteria such as Staphylococcus can cause inflammation of the cornea. Other organisms can cause eye infections in AIDS patients and other immunosuppressed patients.

Conjunctivitis, Keratitis, Keratoconjunctivitis, Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis

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Immunologic aspects of granulomatous and interstitial lung diseases and of cystic fibrosis

Article Abstract:

There are several lung diseases that have an immunologic component. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a reaction to fungi present in dusts, moldy items and air conditioners and humidifiers. Eosinophilic pneumonitis is characterized by an infiltration of eosinophils into the lungs. Other types of eosinophilic pneumonia are caused by viruses, bacteria and parasitic worms. Churg-Strauss syndrome involves an inflammation of pulmonary blood vessels. Certain drugs can cause a hypersensitivity reaction in the lung. In hypereosinophilic syndrome, eosinophils infiltrate the lung as well as other organs. Pulmonary fibrosis can occur in association with certain connective tissue diseases. It can also occur following the inhalation of certain minerals. Cystic fibrosis is characterized by an increase in certain antibodies, which could contribute to inflammation of the lung.

Cystic fibrosis, Pulmonary fibrosis, Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, Extrinsic allergic alveolitis

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Immunologic aspects of renal diseases

Article Abstract:

Several kidney diseases are characterized by the formation of antibodies against parts of the kidney, such as the glomerulus. The glomerulus is the part of the kidney that removes wastes from the blood, so any immune complex circulating in the blood could become lodged in the kidney and produce an immune reaction. Goodpasture's syndrome is characterized by the production of antibodies against the basement membrane of the glomerulus. In its early stages, Goodpasture's syndrome can be treated with immunosuppressive drugs and plasma exchange. Most cases of glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the glomeruli) are caused by circulating proteins that become lodged in the glomerulus. Most often the protein is from an infectious organism or tumor. Circulating immune complexes can form during an antigen-antibody reaction, and these can become lodged in the glomerulus.

Glomerulonephritis, Goodpasture's syndrome

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