Explain the pathogenesis of infection with Borrelia burgdoferi and Lyme-disease causing organisms.
Infected Ixodes Tick bite-> binding of OspC to plasminogen-> if bite lasts 36-72+ hrs, spread via bloodstream->Early stage-> Early disseminated--> Late stage
15
Describe and justify the two-tiered serologic testing for diagnosing Lyme Disease
EIA or IFA -> (positive) -> IgM and IgG Western blot (30- days) OR IgG Western Blot (30+ days); cross reaction --> false positive
15
Explain the delayed onset of symptoms following exposure to Toxicodendron species.
Due to the time that it takes to activate and recruit T cells to the site
15
Explain how the immune response induces skin changes (vesicles and bullae) in type IV hypersensitivity reactions.
activated T lymphocytes-> (1) release cytokines, inflammation & macrophage activation (2) T cell-mediated cytotoxicity -> ROStissue damage-> skin changes
15
Discuss the role of haptens, including urushiol, in the immune response (priming of T cells).