Humoral immunity defines the production of an antibody and associated processes that go with it involving Th2 activation and production of cytokines, formation of germinal centre and switching of isotype, affinity maturation and generation of memory cell. It also defines the antibody’s effector functions that involve neutralisation of pathogen and toxin, classical complement activation and elimination of pathogen.

“Acute haemolytic reaction causes fast destruction of donor red blood cells.”- How does it happen?

Incomplete blood transfusion results in a transfusion reaction that is done by humoral immune response. This form of reaction is known as acute haemolytic reaction that causes fast destruction (haemolysis) of donor red blood cells by the host antibodies. The reason is normally a clerical error (i.e. the faulty blood unit being provided to wrong patient). Symptoms include fever, chills, back pain and red urine (haemoglobinuria). Main complication is the release of haemoglobin due to red blood cells’ destruction causing acute renal failure.