The Arthus reaction, named after French immunologist Maurice Arthus, is a local inflammatory response resulting from the injection of an antigen in a person previously sensitized to that antigen. The spelling of "Arthus" is pronounced as /ɑrθəs/ in IPA phonetic transcription, where the first syllable is stressed with an "ah" sound, followed by the "th" sound with a silent "h", and ending with an "uhs" sound. The correct spelling and pronunciation of medical terms are essential to avoid confusion and ensure effective communication among healthcare professionals.
Arthus reaction refers to a localized immunological response that occurs when an excessive amount of antigens are introduced into the body, resulting in the formation of immune complexes. This reaction is characterized by inflammation and swelling at the site of antigen injection.
The Arthus reaction is named after French immunologist and bacteriologist Jacques Arthus, who discovered and described it in the early 20th century. It is typically seen in individuals who have been previously sensitized to the specific antigen. Sensitization occurs when the immune system is exposed to the antigen, leading to the production of antibodies against it.
During an Arthus reaction, when a large amount of the same antigen is introduced into the body either through injection or inhalation, an excessive number of immune complexes are formed. These immune complexes accumulate in the small blood vessels around the injection site, leading to the activation of complement proteins and subsequent inflammatory response.
The characteristic signs and symptoms of an Arthus reaction include redness, swelling, warmth, and pain at the site of injection. These symptoms usually appear within 4 to 8 hours after exposure to the antigen and may persist for several days. In severe cases, the reaction can cause tissue damage and local necrosis.
The Arthus reaction is a type III hypersensitivity response and is often used in laboratory settings for assessing the immune response against specific antigens. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the Arthus reaction has provided valuable insights into allergic reactions and immune complex diseases.
The term "Arthus reaction" is named after the French immunologist and bacteriologist, Jules Armand Louis Marie Arthus (1863-1945). Arthus conducted research on hypersensitivity reactions and specifically described a local reaction that occurs due to the formation of immune complexes in tissues, which is known as the Arthus reaction. This type of reaction occurs when antibodies bind to antigens, forming immune complexes, and subsequently trigger inflammation and tissue damage. The name "Arthus reaction" is thus a tribute to Jules Arthus for his significant contribution in understanding this type of immune response.