Invasive aspergillosis has genetic predispositions. Studies have revealed the presence of specific genes increases the risk of an individual being affected by the disease. The research by Cb et al. (2020) demonstrated a strong association between polymorphisms within CX3CR1 and ART2 genes and the risk of invasive aspergillosis. Carriers of CX3CR1rs9823718, CX3CR1rs7631529A, and ARNT2rs137421G alleles had an increased risk of developing invasive aspergillosis (Cb et al., 2020). In another research, the C allele of IL10rs1800896 was linked with an increased risk of invasive aspergillosis in 36 patients out of 357 patients enrolled in the study (Tanpaibule et al., 2020). Tanpaibule et al. (2020) asserted in their study that epigenetic events such as those leading to DNA methylation alter gene expression, histone modification, and interaction between genotypes, environment, and microbes, which increase the risk of invasive aspergillosis in patients. Furthermore, the authors argue that deficiency in the PTX3 gene, downregulation of CD50 and CD80 molecules, and variations in STAT1 and STAT3 genes increase the risk of invasive aspergillosis (Tanpaibule et al., 2020).
Immunosuppression refers to the reduced ability of the body’s immune system to respond to foreign antigens. The process of immunosuppression begins with the body’s exposure to substances or environments that kill immune effector cells. The exposure also inhibits the intracellular pathways that are involved in antigen recognition and activation of immune responses. Factors such as exposure to oncogenic viruses, ionizing and ultraviolet radiation, infections, including HIV, use of some medications, and infection by parasites can cause immunosuppression. Immunosuppression affects the ability of the body’s systems to defend themselves against foreign antigens. The risk of opportunistic infections and cancer development in immunosuppressed individuals is high. In some cases, the mortality rate is high among immunocompromised patients (Rice, 2019). Immunosuppression also affects the ability of the body systems to recover from an infection. As a result, immunosuppressed patients are likely to stay longer in the hospital as compared to those with normal immunity.
In summary, the patient developed the described symptoms due to the combined effects of immunosuppression and environmental exposure to opportunistic infections. Several genes play a role in the development of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals. Immunosuppression develops from an individual’s exposure to factors that lower the body’s immunity to respond to foreign antigens. Immunosuppression has adverse patient and health outcomes.
Cb, L., M, M.-B., Jm, S.-M., J, B., C, C., J, S., M, L., J, S.-C., Lm, C., L, A.-F., Ma, L.-N., L, F., Jm, A., L, P., E, L.-F., M, A.-R., L, P., Sm, G., M, L., … J, S. (2020). Polymorphisms within the ARNT2 and CX3CR1 genes are associated with the risk of developing invasive Aspergillosis. Infection and Immunity, 88(4). https://doi.org/10.1128/IAI.00882-19
Struggling with online classes or exams? Get expert help to ace your coursework, assignments, and tests stress-free!