Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis
08:44

Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis

Published on: September 7, 2022

Children with frequent infections: a proposal for a stepwise assessment and investigation of the immune system

Dimitrios C Cassimos1, Manolis Liatsis, Anastasia Stogiannidou

  • 1Department of Immunology-Histocompatibility, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology : Official Publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
|November 20, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Identifying immune system dysfunction in children with frequent infections is crucial. This review offers a guide to pinpointing immune disorders for better patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Immunology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Many children experience frequent infections, but few have underlying immune system disorders.
  • Immune system dysfunction in children can manifest as recurrent, persistent, severe, or rare infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide clinicians with a tool for recognizing immune system dysfunction in children.
  • To simplify the diagnosis of primary immunodeficiencies.
  • To guide etiologic management for improved patient care.

Main Methods:

  • This is a review article, not an experimental study.
  • The review adopts a reverse approach to identify immune dysfunction.
  • It focuses on recognizing 'discords' in the immune system's function.

Main Results:

  • The review aims to clarify the diagnostic pathway for immunodeficiencies.
  • It seeks to identify specific points of immune dysfunction.
  • The goal is to aid clinicians in diagnosing and managing these conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Early and accurate identification of immune dysfunction is critical for pediatric patients.
  • A structured approach can help clinicians navigate the complexities of immunodeficiencies.
  • Effective management strategies depend on precise diagnosis of immune system disorders.

Related Concept Videos

Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Stages of Infection01:26

Stages of Infection

Stages of infection describe what happens to a susceptible host once a pathogen invades the human body. The stages of infection are incubation, prodromal, illness, stage of decline, and convalescence. The incubation stage is the period from exposure to a pathogen until symptoms start. The infected person is unaware of impending illness as the pathogens grow and multiply within the body. The duration may vary depending on the type of infection. The incubation period of measles averages ten to...
Infection01:20

Infection

When a pathogen enters the body and reproduces, it can cause an infection, damage body cells, and cause illness symptoms that eventually lead to disease. Therefore, its prevention requires breaking the chain of infection.
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
What is the Immune System?01:38

What is the Immune System?

Overview