Immunszuppresszió

Immunosuppresszió refers to a reduction in the activation or efficacy of the immune system. This can be a desirable outcome in certain medical contexts, such as preventing organ transplant rejection or treating autoimmune diseases. In these cases, immunosuppressive drugs are used to dampen the immune response and prevent it from attacking the transplanted organ or the body's own tissues.

However, immunosuppresszió can also have negative consequences. A weakened immune system makes individuals more susceptible to infections from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens. Furthermore, it can impair the body's ability to fight off cancer cells, as the immune system plays a crucial role in identifying and destroying abnormal cells.

Causes of immunosuppresszió can be varied. Besides the intentional use of immunosuppressive medications, it can be a side effect of certain medical treatments like chemotherapy, or a symptom of underlying medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, or certain genetic disorders. Natural aging also often leads to a decline in immune function, a process known as immunosenescence. Understanding the causes and implications of immunosuppresszió is vital for diagnosis, treatment, and management of associated health risks.