How to Solve Case Studies

A case is a story about an encounter between a pathogen and the immune system. It is written to include ALL the information that, with the text book material, will allow you to answer the questions in a real-life scenario. Do NOT spend time trying to find more information in other texts or on the web. Instead, THINK about what you have read in the text applies to the case questions.

After you read the entire case, go back and LIST the information included.

• What is the pathogen and what information are you given about its properties? This information should give you clues about how the immune system will be engaged. For example, extracellular pathogens can be phagocytosed or neutralized by antibodies; removal of intracellular pathogens requires the intervention of cytotoxic NK or T cells.
• Are you given any information about the specific antigens on the pathogen? If not, assume that surface glycoproteins and glycolipids are the first antigens encountered.
• Are you given any information about how the pathogen avoids immune destruction? If so, use this information to decide which immune mechanisms are compromised.
• Are you given any information about the immune system of the patient? Has she/he been infected before or been vaccinated against the pathogen? Is the immune system compromised in some fashion that will prevent some immune mechanisms from being engaged?

As you learn more immunology, the cases will become more complex.

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