University of Nairobi

Immunoprophylaxis is a medical term referring to the prevention of disease by inducing or providing immunity. Essentially, it’s all about protecting the body from infections before they happen. There are two main types: **active** and **passive** immunoprophylaxis. * **Active immunoprophylaxis:** This involves stimulating the body’s own immune system to produce an immune response. Vaccines are the classic example. They contain weakened, killed, or parts of pathogens that train your immune...

**Autoimmunity and Immunity to Self Antigens** explores the mechanisms by which the immune system normally maintains tolerance to self antigens and how this tolerance breaks down to cause autoimmune disease. The lecture notes explain central and peripheral tolerance, self versus non-self discrimination, and the roles of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and regulatory immune pathways in preventing self-reactivity. Key topics include genetic and environmental factors in autoimmunity, autoantibodies, ...

**Immunology of Transplantation** examines the immune mechanisms involved in organ and tissue transplantation and the causes of graft acceptance or rejection. The lecture notes cover histocompatibility antigens, particularly the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), and the roles of T lymphocytes, antibodies, and cytokines in transplant immune responses. Key topics include types of grafts, mechanisms of hyperacute, acute, and chronic rejection, and the principles of self versus non-self recogn...

**Cancers, Malignant Disease and the Immune System** explores the complex relationship between cancer development and immune function. The lecture notes examine how the immune system recognizes and responds to malignant cells through immune surveillance, tumor antigens, and both innate and adaptive immune responses. Key topics include mechanisms of tumor immune evasion, the roles of T lymphocytes, natural killer cells, cytokines, and antibodies in anti-tumor immunity, as well as inflammation and...

**Hematological Disorders: Diagnosis and Treatment** examines diseases affecting blood cells and the hematopoietic system, with a focus on clinical evaluation and management. The lecture notes cover disorders of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and coagulation pathways, including anemia, leukemia, lymphoma, bleeding disorders, and thrombotic conditions. Emphasis is placed on diagnostic approaches such as complete blood counts, peripheral blood smear analysis, bone marrow examinatio...

**Antigen–Antibody Interactions and Their Applications in Laboratory Investigations** focuses on the fundamental principles governing the specific binding between antigens and antibodies and how this specificity is exploited in diagnostic and research laboratories. The lecture notes explain the nature of antigenic determinants (epitopes), antibody structure, affinity and avidity, and the factors influencing antigen–antibody reactions. Practical applications are emphasized, including agglutin...

These lecture notes on **Infection Immunity and Protection** introduce the fundamental mechanisms by which the human immune system defends the body against infectious agents. The notes cover innate and adaptive immunity, the three lines of defense, immune recognition, and the roles of key immune cells such as neutrophils, macrophages, B lymphocytes, and T lymphocytes. Emphasis is placed on antibody-mediated and cell-mediated immune responses, inflammation, cytokine signaling, and immunological m...

This paper provides a comprehensive introduction to applied immunology, examining the biological basis of disease and the immune system’s response to infectious pathogens. It explores the structure and function of the immune system, detailing innate immunity and adaptive immunity through the first, second, and third lines of defense. Key topics include external barriers, leukocytes, phagocytosis, inflammation, lymphoid organs, antigen recognition, clonal selection, antibodies, cytokines, and c...

This document provides comprehensive notes on Weather and Climate for Physical Geography students. It covers all the major elements of weather and climate, including temperature, rainfall, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, sunshine, cloud cover, and visibility. Each element is explained with its corresponding instrument for measurement. The notes also include differences between weather and climate, the importance of studying them, and features of weather stations. These notes are suitable f...

This document contains clear, well-organized notes on Poetry for English and Literature students. It covers the definition of poetry, elements of poetry, stylistic devices, types of poems, and a step-by-step guide on how to analyze any poem. Easy to understand and ideal for revision, exams, and assignments. Suitable for high school and college students.