Immunologist

Immunologist

Immunologist

Immunology is the study of the complex and sophisticated immune system. The immune system is a network of cells and organs that work together to defend the body against attacks by “foreign” invaders or germs. The body provides an excellent environment for germs. When they do break into a system, it is the immune system’s job to keep them out or to seek and destroy them.

Clinical immunologists research new tests and treatments involving allergic and immunologic disorders of the immune system. They work with physicians in general practice and in hospital-based specialties to treat diseases using complex and sophisticated clinical techniques. The science of clinical immunology is a fast developing area of the medical profession. The role of the immunologist is increasingly important, both in laboratory work and in patient care.

Prevalence of allergic and immunologic disorders
Allergic and immunologic diseases are common chronic conditions that affect 50 million Americans. According to 1994 data from the Centers for Disease Control, over 14 million people suffer from asthma. This number is almost double the rate reported in 1980. Other studies indicate the prevalence of asthma is rising, especially in urban areas, and the mortality rate due to severe asthma is increasing. Approximately 9% of Americans suffer from allergic rhinitis, or hayfever, resulting in almost $4 billion in lost workplace productivity. Additionally, 35 million suffer from chronic sinusitis. There are over 70 forms of primary immunodeficiency, affecting more people than leukemia and lymphoma combined, and an even larger number of autoimmune and other immunologic diseases.

Role of the immunologist
An immunologist may manage patients with the following types of problems or conduct research on:

* Diseases of the respiratory tract, such as allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis
* Skin rashes, including atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis
* Gastrointestinal disorders caused by immune responses to foods
* Adverse reactions to drugs, other pharmacologic agents and diagnostic testing materials
* Diseases associated with autoimmune responses to self-antigens
* Symptoms or disorders caused by immunodeficiency
* Stem cell, bone marrow and organ transplantation
* Immunogenetics