anergy
Pronunciation: AN-er-jee
The absence of an expected immune response to specific antigens, often tested via skin patch testing in pediatric patients.
Full Definition
Anergy refers to the failure of immune cells to respond to antigens that would normally provoke an immune reaction. In pediatric immunology, anergy testing helps evaluate T-cell function by applying common antigens (such as Candida or tetanus toxoid) to the skin and measuring the response. The absence of a reaction may indicate immunodeficiency. This is particularly important in children where immune responses are still developing and deficiencies may not yet be apparent through other testing methods.
Usage
Usage note: Often confused with allergy; anergy is the absence of response, while allergy is an excessive response.
In Context
- "The patient's anergy to multiple recall antigens suggested a severe T-cell immunodeficiency." — Clinical assessment report
- "Anergy testing revealed no delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions in the 8-year-old patient." — Immunology consultation note