The Role Genetics Plays in the Disease

The Role Genetics Plays in the Disease

The Role Genetics Plays in the Disease

The disease being described is streptococcal pharyngitis (or strep throat). The prevalence of strep throat is affected by environmental factors such as close contact with others in a group setting (daycares, schools, or large families) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). However, in some cases, children experience numerous strep throat infections throughout their childhood that may be explained by certain genetic factors. For example, in children with recurring tonsillitis, differences in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class 2 alleles were noted, as well as a decreased immunological response to group A streptococcus when compared to a control group (Dan et al., 2019). In this particular case, it is doubtful that genetics played a significant role, as the patient had no prior medical history or any indication of recurring strep throat.

Why the Patient is Presenting with the Specific Symptoms Described

While 99.6 F is technically not a fever, it is a possible indicator of infection. When a cellular injury occurs, pyrogens are released due to the presence of cytokines, which signals the hypothalamus to increase core body temperature (McCance & Huether, 2019, p. 87). This can be an effective defense due to the narrow temperature range at which cells can function. This would increase the body’s metabolic demands, which is likely why the patient has a pulse of 78. These would be considered systematic manifestations of inflammation. The reddened pharynx and white exudate on the tonsils are localized manifestations of inflammation. The redness is due to vasodilation, and the white exudate is due to the accumulation of leukocytes (McCance & Huether, 2019, p. 209). These responses often result in localized pain, hence the sore throat.

The Physiologic Response to the Stimulus and why this Response Occurred

The swelling of the lips and tongue, difficulty breathing, and wheezing response triggered by the initial amoxicillin dose is known as a type 1 or anaphylactic hypersensitivity reaction (Justiz-Vaillant & Zito, 2019). These reactions occur when the body produces an unnecessarily large or inappropriate immunological reaction to a foreign substance.

The Cells that are Involved in this Process

The anaphylactic reaction is known as an IgE-mediated reaction (McCance & Huether, 2019, p. 256). The process begins with the activation of a dendritic cell by an antigen. This causes the release of cytokines, which activates eosinophils and B-cells to produce plasma cells. Additionally, the degranulation of mast cells (a type of white blood cell) occurs, causing the release of histamines and proteases. This process results in the spasming of smooth muscle, vasodilation, and vascular leakage.

How Another Characteristic Would Change the Response

Allergies tend to be hereditary (Nih.gov, 2017). A subtle difference in genetics is why some people are deathly allergic to some things while others remain unphased. I am unsure what effect gender would have on this scenario, but I look forward to seeing what my colleagues come up with.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Strep throat: All you need to know. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/strep-throat.htmlLinks to an external site.