The purpose of this book is to disseminate and deliberate on the latest knowledge concerning immunity and its role in protection and fight against microorganism invasion. 

The articles tackle both humoral and cellular immunity, and their interconnectivity. The former involves B cells that recognize invading pathogens and create the antibody-mediated response, which when memorized provides future immunity. The latter involves mostly T cells, exemplified by cytotoxic or killer cell destroying the pathogens, or helper cells stimulating B cells to produce antibodies to bind and neutralize the pathogens. T cells act through release of cytokines, interleukins, and other bioactive mediators. Neutrophils play a key role in innate immunity against bacterial infections. The process of NETosis is a recently unraveled sophisticated defense mechanism, consisting of the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps that catch, immobilize, and remove pathogens from the body. Dysfunction of immunity is indisputably conducive to the propensity for infections, particularly respiratory tract infections, as the airways are the first line of defense against invading pathogens. Pathogens can rapidly evolve and adapt to avoid detection by the immune system. The case in point is the influenza virus. The articles report on the epidemiology, diagnostics, serology, complications, and the process of acquired immunity due to vaccination against influenza and influenza-like infections in recent epidemic seasons. 

The book is a blend of medical research and practice. It is intended for academic scientists, research scholars, clinicians, family doctors, and healthcare professionals.

                        

       

Chapter 1: Influence of Different Bacteria Strains Isolated from Septic Children on Release and Degradation of Extracellular Traps by Neutrophils from Healthy Adults

Chapter 2: Immunomodulatory Role of Vitamin D: A Review
Chapter 3: Cell Activation and Cytokine Release Ex Vivo: Estimation of Reproducibility of the Whole Blood Assay with Fresh Human Blood
Chapter 4: Adverse Reactions in Antifolate-Treated Toxoplasmic Retinochoroiditis
Chapter 5: Antibody Response to Trivalent Influenza Vaccine in the Northern and the Southern Hemisphere in Elite Athletes
Chapter 6: Knowledge Regarding Influenza and Influenza Vaccination in General Population: Results of a National Survey in Poland
Chapter 7: Virological Situation in Poland in the 2016/2017 Epidemic Season Based on Sentinel Data
Chapter 8: Antibodies to Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin in the 2016/2017 Epidemic Season in Poland
Chapter 9: Respiratory Infections with Particular Emphasis on Influenza Virus Activity in Persons Over 14 Years of Age in the Epidemic Season 2016/2017 in Poland
Chapter 10: Influenza: Underestimated in Children below 2 Years of Age
Chapter 11: Infections with Influenza A/H3N2/ Subtype in Poland in the 2016/2017 Epidemic Season
Chapter 12: Disorders of Humoral Immunity in Children with IgG Deficiency and Recurrent Respiratory Infections.