Immunállapota

Immunállapota is a Hungarian term that denotes the immune status, the current functional state of the body's immune system. It describes how effectively the immune system can detect and respond to pathogens, cancer cells, and other immunological challenges. The concept covers both innate immunity, which provides rapid, nonspecific defenses, and adaptive immunity, which involves specific responses orchestrated by lymphocytes and antibodies.

In practice, immune status can be described as normal, diminished (immunodeficiency), heightened (autoimmune or hyperinflammatory states), or imbalanced (dysregulated immunity). Several factors shape immune status, including age, genetics, nutrition, chronic diseases, infections (notably HIV), medications (such as immunosuppressants or corticosteroids), stress, and recent illnesses or vaccinations. Clinically, immune status is assessed through laboratory tests and clinical observation. Common measurements include complete blood count with differential, lymphocyte subsets by flow cytometry, serum immunoglobulin levels, and vaccine-antibody titers. In HIV management, CD4+ T-cell count is particularly important; other tests may assess complement levels and inflammatory markers.

The clinical relevance of immunállapota lies in guiding treatment decisions and infection risk management. Knowledge of immune status informs choices before immune-modulating therapies such as chemotherapy or organ transplantation, including the need for prophylaxis, vaccination adjustments, or monitoring for opportunistic infections. It also assists in diagnosing immunodeficiencies and tracking immune recovery after therapy.

Immune status is dynamic and context-dependent; a single measurement may not reflect ongoing changes. Distinctions are made between primary (inherited) and secondary (acquired) immunodeficiencies, and aging can lead to immunosenescence, influencing overall immune function.