Intermediate
Technical
IVT
anergic
Pronunciation: ah-NER-jik
Describing immune cells that are unresponsive to antigenic stimulation, often seen in immunocompromised pediatric patients.
Full Definition
The state of immune unresponsiveness where T cells or other immune cells fail to respond appropriately to antigenic stimulation despite being functionally intact. In pediatric immunology, anergic responses are observed in children with severe malnutrition, certain immunodeficiencies, or following overwhelming infections. This condition affects the interpretation of immune function tests and vaccination responses, making it an important consideration in clinical assessment.
Usage
Usage note: Adjective form of 'anergy'; do not confuse with 'allergic' in pronunciation or meaning.
In Context
- "The patient's lymphocytes were anergic to mitogen stimulation, suggesting profound immunosuppression." — laboratory report
- "Anergic skin test responses were documented in the malnourished children despite active tuberculosis exposure." — clinical study
Also known as
unresponsive
hyporesponsive
Contrasted with
reactive
responsive
Don't confuse with
allergic
immunosuppressed