A 24-year-old man is diagnosed with disseminated histoplasmosis after developing symptoms of fever, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia. Which of the following is the body's major immunologic defense against histoplasmosis?
The major reaction to fungal infections such as histoplasmosis is delayed-type hypersensitivity. This is a reaction of T cells, which have been stimulated by antigen to react against infectious agents, grafts, and tumors. A classic example is the response to the tuberculin skin test in a person previously exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis organisms which occurs between 48 and 72 hours after antigen exposure.
immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies
mononuclear leukocytes
complement
immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody
Immunology and Rheumatology