Case Studies in Immunology: A Clinical Companion (2nd edn) by F.S Rosen and R.S. Geha

Abstract

Garland Publishing, 1999. $19.95 (vii + 213 pages)ISBN 0 8153 3363 3This text is unique in the field of clinical immunology both in its organization and in the manner that it uses real clinical cases to teach basic immunology principles. As such, it appeals to students and scientists as well as the medical practitioner. Authored by two prominent, well published and experienced clinical immunologists, this collection of cases is a ‘clinical companion’ to the fourth edition of Immunobiology by Janeway, Travers, Walport and Capra. The cases are presented to more or less follow the order in which the topics are presented in Immunobiology, with the relevant topics color-coded to correspond with those in the textbook.This second edition contains 30 cases, 19 of which are presented as they were in the first edition, with some minor updating and slight editorial changes. Each case is designed to highlight certain basic immunological principles that are covered in Immunobiology. For example, the case of the patient with the interferon γ receptor deficiency is used to illustrate the mechanisms involved in the destruction of intracellular microorganisms in the macrophage; and the case of the patient with autoimmune hemolytic anemia is used to illustrate how infection can lead to autoimmunity.As in the original edition, the overall organization of each case is effectively broken down into four sections. The first section presents the salient, basic immunobiology principles required to understand the case. This section is followed by the actual case, presented in a clinical pathology case format, with concise descriptions of the history, symptoms and relevant laboratory data, as well as the treatment and outcome. The third section reviews the disease being exemplified, including relevant inheritance patterns, clinical features, underlying etiology or current hypotheses regarding the etiology and pathogenesis. The last section is organized into a question-and-answer section, which discusses some basic biological and theoretical issues not addressed in the case.Although meant as a companion book, this text stands well on its own. The information is up-to-date; however, in the absence of referenced information, it is at times difficult to ascertain whether the authors are presenting their own biases or referring to published peer-reviewed reports, especially in relation to results obtained in animal models and extrapolated to human conditions.The first edition was very useful as a teaching aid and as a review of the clinical and basic immunological mechanisms involved in the cases presented. The diversity added with the new cases in the expanded second edition is significant and opens the door for future editions to present more cases illustrating new mechanisms and immunological principles. The book is appropriate for a diverse group, including students in medicine, immunology and related health sciences, as well as the research scientist, clinical laboratory scientist and practising physicians from a wide range of specialities.