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When a body organ is transplanted from one person to another, the immune system of the recipient is triggered - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 26 - 2001 - Paper 1
Question 26
When a body organ is transplanted from one person to another, the immune system of the recipient is triggered. (a) Patients who have an organ transplant are given d... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:When a body organ is transplanted from one person to another, the immune system of the recipient is triggered - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 26 - 2001 - Paper 1
Step 1
Patients who have an organ transplant are given drugs to suppress their immune response. State the reason for this.
Answer
The primary reason patients who receive an organ transplant are given immunosuppressive drugs is to prevent the rejection of the transplanted organ. The immune system recognizes the transplanted tissue as foreign and mounts an immune response to eliminate it. Suppressing this response is crucial for the success of the transplant.
Step 2
Explain a possible consequence for the general health of organ transplant patients as a result of suppressing the immune system.
Answer
One possible consequence of suppressing the immune system in organ transplant patients is an increased susceptibility to infections. By dampening the immune response, the body becomes less capable of fighting off pathogens, which can lead to more frequent and severe infections, potentially compromising the patient's overall health.