Immune System Diseases Commons^™

Preparation Of Physician Assistant Students To Manage Patients Living With Hiv/Aids In A Primary Care Setting, Austin Parrish

SIU Journal of Medical Science Scholarly Works

This study examined Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) educational exposure among clinical-phase physician assistant (PA) students and evaluated how well current curricula prepare future providers for HIV prevention and care. A cross-sectional survey of 109 PA students assessed HIV-related knowledge, clinical exposure, and awareness of key public health concepts, while lecture materials from 30 PA programs were analyzed for curricular content. Students demonstrated moderate but incomplete baseline knowledge, and fewer than one-quarter reported observing PrEP prescribing during primary care rotations. Awareness of Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) was limited, with only …

Sex Differences And Cytokine Profiles In Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ella Margaret Bartley Miss

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by persistent inflammation, joint destruction, and notable differences in prevalence and severity between sexes. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), are well established mediators of RA pathology. Although extensive research has elucidated their pathological roles, the influence of sex on cytokine profiles and RA outcomes remains undefined.

This review examines preclinical and clinical studies analysing sex-specific cytokine responses in RA. Findings reveal that female patients and experimental models exhibit higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory mediators, with oestrogen and androgen signalling playing relevant …

Full Issue: The International Undergraduate Journal Of Health Sciences, Volume 6, Issue 1, July 2026

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Full Issue: The International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences, Volume 6, Issue 1, July 2026.

Hubungan Penggantian Imunosupresan Tidak Terencana Dengan Aktivitas Penyakit Lupus Eritematosus Sistemik: Studi Kohort Retrospektif Di Rsupn Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta, Rosvitha Amanda, Sukamto Koesnoe, Alvina Widhani, Ikhwan Rinaldi, Adityo Susilo, Juferdy Kurniawan, Rudi Putranto, Birry Karim

Jurnal Penyakit Dalam Indonesia

Introduction. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex chronic autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations. Treatment stabilization is crucial for optimal disease control, but the consistency of immunosuppressive therapy may be affected by non-ideal conditions, including drug unavailability or adverse effects. This study aimed to assess the association between unplanned immunosuppressant switching and increased disease activity in SLE patients.

Methods. A retrospective cohort study of SLE patients meeting the inclusion criteria, whose disease activity was evaluated using the MEX-SLEDAI score during immunosuppressant substitution. Participants were grouped into an exposed group undergoing unplanned immunosuppressant switching due to drug unavailability …

Prevalensi Covid-19 Derajat Berat Dan Kritis Saat Admisi Pada Pasien Penyakit Reumatik Autoimun Dan Faktor-Faktor Yang Berhubungan, Mulia Destini, Anna Ariane, Mira Yulianti, Aulia Rizka, Ikhwan Rinaldi, Arif Mansjoer, Hasan Maulahela, Syahidatul Wafa

Jurnal Penyakit Dalam Indonesia

Introduction. Patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases are known to be more vulnerable to severe and critical infections, including COVID-19. Although it is no longer classified as a pandemic, SARS- CoV-2 infection still persists, and several surges of cases have been reported, including in Indonesia. To date, no data are available regarding the prevalence of severe and critical COVID-19 at admission in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases in Indonesia and the associated factors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of severe and critical COVID-19 at admission in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, …

Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy In Association With Statin Exposure, Charlie E. Babcock, Phebie Rossi, Jennifer Hasvold

Aesculapius Journal (Health Sciences & Medicine)

Statins are first-line therapy for hyperlipidemia and are widely prescribed in primary care. Although generally safe, they carry rare but serious risks that must be considered on an individual basis. One such complication is immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), an autoimmune condition characterized by persistent muscle weakness and elevated creatine kinase (CK) despite discontinuation of the statin. We describe an 87-year-old man with a history of atorvastatin intolerance who was reinitiated on the medication five years later. Shortly thereafter, he developed progressive weakness, recurrent hospitalizations, and ultimately was diagnosed with IMNM confirmed by biopsy and HMG-CoA reductase antibodies. Despite treatment with …

Filling The Gap: Integrating Hiv Into The Counselor Education Curriculum, J. Richelle Joe, Roseina D. Britton, Tiffany Hairston

Teaching and Supervision in Counseling

People living with HIV (PLWH) are vulnerable to mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, which in turn, often affect their health outcomes. Multiple, overlapping structural and social determinants of health exacerbate the physical and mental health concerns of PLWH, presenting a need for services that are responsive to the unique implications of the illness. Professional counselors have the potential to provide such services but must be adequately prepared to do so. In response to the lack of HIV-related professional development for counselors and the minimal preparation of counselors-in-training to serve clients with HIV, this article uses …

Long-Term Autoimmune Polyarthritis Due To Covid-19 Vaccine, Ramesh Pandit, Namratha Pallipamu, Trupiti Pandit

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Vaccinations for COVID-19 have played a pivotal role in controlling the global pandemic, with most adverse events being mild and transient. However, rare post-vaccination autoimmune responses have been reported. The understanding of long-term rheumatologic sequelae, particularly autoimmune polyarthritis following COVID-19 vaccination, remains limited.

Case Presentation

We report the case of a 41-year-old previously healthy man who developed progressive polyarthritis and systemic symptoms following the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The initial symptoms of joint swelling and arthralgia appeared within a week of the first vaccine dose, subsiding temporarily with medication. After receiving a booster dose, the patient experienced worsening …

Integrating Positive Psychology And Spirituality To Foster Meaning And Well-Being In Older Adults, Crystal Morris

Adultspan Journal

This perspective article explores the integration of positive psychology interventions (PPIs) and spirituality in therapy to foster meaning and well-being in older adults. It highlights exercises such as the positive introduction, positive legacy, character strengths, mindfulness, mindful-based yoga, and a manifestation prayer journaling. The interventions presented are tools to support older adults that may experience depression, difficult life transitions, and the search for renewed meaning. Therapists who integrate PPIs and spirituality into therapy can promote a holistic, non-pathological approach to treatment.

Infeksi Oportunistik Pada Pasien Hiv Yang Dirawat Inap Di Rsup Dr. Hasan Sadikin Bandung Tahun 2019-2022, Katarina Salma, Yovita Hartantri, Nisa Fauziah

Jurnal Penyakit Dalam Indonesia

Introduction. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that infects and attacks the human immune system. The high morbidity and mortality rates in HIV patients can be attributed to various factors, one of which is the presence of opportunistic infections due to the weakened immune response, making HIV patients highly susceptible to other infections. This study aims to provide an overview of opportunistic infections in HIV patients hospitalized at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital in Bandung within the period of 2019-2022.

Methods. This descriptive observational study was conducted on 255 HIV patients with opportunistic infections who were hospitalized at dr. …

Reproductive Autonomy In Immunological Intervention: Ethical Boundaries In Maternal-Fetal Immune Therapy, Marium Z. Rizvi

Journal of Health Ethics

Recent advances in immunology have broken barriers in reproductive medicine through immune-modulating therapies that support fertility and pregnancy. Treatments such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and intralipid infusions are increasingly offered to patients with Recurrent Implantation Failure (RIF) or Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL), conditions that result in miscarriages and failed IVF treatments (Pillarysetti et al., 2023). Maternal-fetal immunology reveals a delicate interplay between immune tolerance and defense: the maternal system must accept a genetically foreign fetus while preserving immunological protection. Disruptions in this balance are implicated in implantation disorders and pregnancy failure. As a result, immune-based therapies have emerged as promising …

Fda Approves Neffy®- First Nasal Spray For Anaphylaxis, Abigail Carter, Penlope Mazivanhanga, Haylee Whyde, Rileigh Rahrig, Ashley Jacob, Anna Spalvieri, Joshua Honaker, Samantha Mccord, Andrew Roecker

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Between 1.6 and 5.1% of the United States population have experienced anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.1 Anaphylaxis occurs when someone is exposed to an allergen, most commonly foods, medications, and insect venom. Epinephrine is the first-line agent for anaphylaxis treatment, and it is critical to administer this medication immediately after the onset of anaphylactic symptoms to prevent worsening that could lead to death. Epinephrine, more commonly known as EpiPen® or Auvi-Q®, has historically only been available as an intramuscular (IM) injection. Many people are afraid, anxious, or uneducated on how to properly give someone an IM injection, causing anaphylaxis treatment …

Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome With Liver Injury Due To Phenytoin: A Case Report, Lorettha Wijaya, Stella Adevita, Steven Alvianto, Yoseveline Christiani, Alius Cahyadi, Raesa Yolanda

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) is a rare and severe systemic drug reaction characterized by skin involvement, internal organ complications, and hematologic disorders. Management of this condition is challenging due to its wide range of cutaneous manifestations and 10% mortality rate.

Case Illustration: A 52-year-old male presented with widespread redness throughout his body with a prior history of regular phenytoin consumption. The rash continued to spread despite the patient’s abrupt discontinuation of the suspected medication. He was diagnosed with atypical DIHS according to J-SCAR criteria and was given high-dose corticosteroid. Drastic clinical improvement was observed after nine days of therapy, …

Etanercept, Methotrexate, Or Combined Therapy For Improving Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms, Ajith Dupati

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A clinical decision report using:

van der Heijde D, Klareskog L, Rodriguez-Valverde V, et al. Comparison of etanercept and methotrexate, alone and combined, in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: two-year clinical and radiographic results from the TEMPO study, a double-blind, randomized trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2006;54(4):1063-1074. https://doi.org/10.1002/art.21655

for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

A Case Of Cecal Volvulus In The Setting Of Multiple Sclerosis, S. Jiaming Lin, Paige M. Kieper, Michael Mullinax, Jake W. Vogel, Kimberly Syres

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

This case report describes a patient with a history of multiple sclerosis (MS) and optic neuritis, who presented with acute onset of generalized abdominal pain. The patient was ultimately diagnosed with cecal volvulus requiring emergent laparotomy and right hemicolectomy. This case highlights the relationship between neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) associated constipation in patients with MS and intestinal volvulus. Additionally, this case demonstrates the importance of NBD associated constipation management through various modalities including laxative regimens, behavioral and diet modification, and reduction of polypharmacy, with an emphasis on individualized patient management.

Hepatotoxicity Induced By Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Flaviu Muresan, Olga Hilda Orasan, Angela Cozma, Madalina Daiana Bancos, Lorena Ciumarnean, Mircea Vasile Milaciu, Tinca Codruta Pocol, Nicoleta Valentina Leach, Teodora Gabriela Alexescu, Ovidiu Vasile Fabian, George Ciulei, Mirela Georgiana Perne

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are an effective immunotherapeutic approach for cancers affecting the lung, skin, kidney, mammary gland, or certain hematologic malignancies. Regarding the prognosis of these oncological conditions, treatments with ICIs open new therapeutic perspectives with benefits for both patients and healthcare providers. A drawback of immune checkpoint inhibition is the occurrence of immune-related adverse events that can involve a wide range of organs, such as the liver. Given widespread usage of immunotherapy, the number of patients who suffer from this unwanted condition has increased. Hepatopathy induced by ICIs can be severe and can even lead to death. Detecting …

The Price Of Prevention: Spain And Italy's Approach To National Prep, Jon Burkart

Claremont-UC Undergraduate Research Conference on the European Union

While recent advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) continue to improve the outlook for people living with HIV (PLHIV), new infections remain a concern for health authorities around the world. A clinically proven intervention holds the potential to dramatically reduce new infections: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a once-daily pill for high-risk populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM), that substantially reduces HIV infection risk. However—much like rates of new infection—public provision of PrEP varies considerably among OECD countries. This case study thus seeks to answer the question: What might explain the disparate timeline of adopting public reimbursement for PrEP …

Providing End-Of-Life Counseling: A Narrative Inquiry, Carol Hecht, Sibyl West

Adultspan Journal

This qualitative study aimed to address the gap in the research related to end-of-life counseling by exploring the experiences of counselors working with clients at end of life. While counseling literature and education are lacking regarding end of life, many counselors will work alongside clients approaching death. The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to better understand the nuanced experiences of counselors providing end-of-life counseling and (b) to explore the supports and preparations helpful for counselors to provide end-of-life counseling. A narrative approach, using the Listening Guide (Gilligan, 2015), was employed to analyze and present the stories of three …

Considerations Of Medicare Telehealth Services With Older Adults, Sonah Kho, Amanda Dediego

Adultspan Journal

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic set in motion a rapid expansion of mental health services offered via telehealth. With this rapid expansion came the need to examine how policy and practice should be shaped in a future where telehealth is considered common in counseling practice. For counselors to understand how to support older adult clients in using telehealth services, they must understand telehealth policy. Following the eligibility of licensed counselors to participate in Medicare, counselors need to stay abreast of regulatory changes regarding restrictions and regulations on use of telehealth for mental and behavioral health services, including video and …

Unveiling The Complexity Of Nocardia Septic Arthritis In An Immunocompromised Patient: A Case Report, Steven A. Kessler, Meghan R. Mansour, Ali Khreisat, Mamon Tahhan

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Nocardiosis is the systemic manifestation of Nocardia infection, often found in immunocompromised individuals. Nocardia are transmitted via inhalation or skin wounds, disseminating hematogenously to organs and rarely, joints. We present a patient with immunosuppression who developed gout of the knee with superimposed Nocardial septic arthritis and a possible subsequent systemic infection.

Case Presentation

A 74-year-old man presented with left lower extremity swelling and pain. He was taking immunosuppressive medication for antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody-positive vasculitis. A week prior, an arthrocentesis test was positive for gout. He received prednisone without improvement. A repeat arthrocentesis was positive for Nocardia farcinica septic arthritis. …

A Presentation Of Acute On Chronic Pancreatitis Complicated By Pancreaticopleural Fistula Leading To Bilateral Exudative Pleural Effusions And Empyema, Ashruta Patel, Do, Ms

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

This case report highlights a rare but serious complication of acute pancreatitis, where pancreatic juice drains into the pleural space, causing bilateral exudative pleural effusions and potentially leading to empyema. The patient's history of alcohol abuse and splenic vein thrombosis likely contributed to the development of this complication. The clinical presentation, including progressive shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain, along with findings on examination and imaging, prompted further investigation. The MRI findings of a pancreaticopleural fistula, along with a pseudocyst, were significant in diagnosing the condition. Treatment involved a multidisciplinary approach, including antibiotic therapy, chest tube placement to drain …

Emotion Regulation Strategies And Perceived Emotional Intelligence: The Effect Of Age., Iwanna Sepiadou

Adultspan Journal

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between perceived emotional intelligence and the reported use of cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. We also investigated the possible effects of age on the aforementioned variables. The total sample consisted of 379 people (158 men, 220 women, 1 unreported). Across participants, 273 were young (20-39 years old) and 106 were middle-aged (40-65 years old). We found statistically significant positive correlations between the dimensions of perceived emotional intelligence and the reported use of cognitive reappraisal and negative primarily correlations between the dimensions of perceived emotional intelligence and the reported use of …

The Role Of Psychogenic Factors In The Etiopathogenesis Of Autoimmune Disorders In The Oral Cavity, Nadya T. Avramova, Boyko K. Bonev

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Autoimmune disorders (AD) represent a heterogeneous group of multifactorial chronic conditions, which are triggered secondary to the loss of self-antigen tolerance. Their etiology involves genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors; however, AD cannot be explained by these factors alone. Recent studies have shown increasing stress levels in industrialized countries and also increasing trends in the prevalence of autoimmune diseases. The oral mucosa is extremely responsive to emotional influences such as stress, anxiety and depression. Therefore, oral diseases can appear as a direct expression of emotions or indirectly, due to various psychological mechanisms. The aim of this study is to find and …

A Case Series Of Unusual Iga Vasculitis, Jared Bradley, Ian Whitaker, Brittany Lyons, Amy Mangla

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgA)is a rare condition characterized by palpable purpura, often involving the skin, gastrointestinal tract, joints, and kidneys. Presentation is usually acute and is more common in children and adolescents of Southeast Asian and European descent. In the adult population, it is less common and therapies are not as well-established.

Case Presentation

Disease prevalence of IgA vasculitis outside Southeast Asian and European populations is not well-documented. In this case series, we present 2 cases of IgA vasculitis in 2 older adult males, one of Native American descent and one of African American descent.

Conclusion

IgA vasculitis must …

A Rare Case Of Iga Vasculitis In An Adult Patient With Mssa Bacteremia And Prostate Abscess, Maria E Mesalles, Erinolaoluwa F Araoye, Anees Siddiqi, Adrien Janvier

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

IgA vasculitis, previously known as Henoch Schönlein Purpura (HSP), is a disease more common in children and occurs when IgA1 immune complexes attach to the walls of small blood vessels causing inflammation. This case report is of an adult male who presented with a purpuric rash affecting both legs, microhematuria, and knee pain. Blood cultures were positive for Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Computed tomography of the pelvis revealed a prostate abscess. Skin biopsy demonstrated IgA and C3 in the dermal vessels. To our knowledge, this is the first report of IgA vasculitis associated with MSSA bacteremia due to a prostate …

The Unequal Distribution Of Social Risk For Black Men Across The Life-Span. A Novel Framework., Waleed Y. Sami

Adultspan Journal

This conceptual overview offers a comprehensive overview of systemic pathways that negatively impact the mental health of Black Men throughout their lives. Our argument highlights the importance for counselors and mental health professionals to utilize a thorough social risk assessment that considers these pathways in order to effectively address the mental health needs of Black Men while fostering positive working relationships. This overview strongly advocates for the use of context and structural determinants when evaluating mental health symptoms. Without an appropriate understanding of social risk and determinants, counselors may inadvertently perpetuate disparities by decontextualizing symptomology, and reproducing racist discourse.

A Rare Case Of Cold Agglutination Syndrome Secondary To Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, Dr.Disha Shahri, Dr. Srinath K. M, Dr. Basava Chethan, Dr. Savitha Vijayakumar, Dr. Meghna B.S.

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is one of the foremost causes of community acquired pneumonia. Most of the cases are, however mild. Although, complications may seldom occur. One such known complication of M. pneumoniae infection is cold agglutinin hemolysis, which is usually benign and transient. This hemolysis is due to formation of cold agglutinins during the course of infection. Cold Agglutination Syndrome (CAS) is a type of acquired Autoimmune Hemolytic Anaemia (AIHA), which exists due to an underlying disorder, like a viral illness or lymohoid malignancy. It is generally self-remitting, in contrast to Cold Agglutination Disease (CAD), which is a chronic …

Lifestyle And Dietary Modifications For Reducing Psoriatic Disease Activity: A Comprehensive Review, Andrea Nguyen, Jessica Garner

Pacific Journal of Health

Abstract: Psoriasis is a prevalent, immune-medication disorder affecting millions of individuals in the United States, leading to substantial healthcare costs (Armstrong, 2021; Brenzinski, 2015). Psoriasis has an established correlation with comorbidities such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, obesity, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome (Al-Mutairi, 2010). Due to the substantial socioeconomic burden psoriatic disease poses on modern day society, significant benefit could be derived from identifying nonprescription strategies for patients to adopt in order to reduce disease activity. This comprehensive review includes 33 publications from 2008 to 2023, evaluating non-prescription therapeutic strategies including lifestyle modification and anti-inflammatory dietary changes. The analysis suggests …

A Tale Of Two Situations: A Case Report Of The Merger Between Dermatology Outcomes And Prescription Drug Access, Kara Ye, Yasseen Amellal, Will Evans, Theresa Rohr-Kirchgraber

Cooper Rowan Medical Journal

This case report illustrates a case of guttate psoriasis in a young adult and the logistical role dermatologists can play in patients acquiring their prescriptions and improving the quality of their care.

Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis: A Systematic Review Of Hla-Dr In Pigeon Breeder’S Disease, Dylan Thibaut, Ryan A. Witcher, Anitha Kunnath, James Toldi

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Abstract

Introduction: Pigeon Breeder’s Pneumonitis (PBP) results due to a complex pathophysiology that includes exposure to avian antigens. Susceptibility has been linked to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II, though consensus has not been reached. The goal of this systematic review is to further elucidate the association between PBP and HLA-DR subtypes.

Methods: Databases utilized included PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library. Inclusion required a minimum of three studies in English presenting HLA-DR alleles of PBP and control subgroups. Exclusion was due to insufficient data or non-feasible control groups. Forest plots were created for HLA-DR subtypes’ association …