Immunogenetics is classified as a branch in medical research usually involved in the discovery of the relationship of genetics and the immune system. Through this study it is possible to identify complex genetic traits that cause defective immune systems and result in the autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes (Rankin, 2005). Through this branch of medicine, researcher believe that identifying the genes that cause these immune defects new target genes may be discovered for application in therapeutic approaches. Further, the research will help make out the immunological pathway that leads to the occurrence of these autoimmune diseases. The study came about as focus on human leucocyte antigens (HLA) and their role in rejection and acceptance of transplant.
Conducting research in immunogenetics has been hyped to have a significant potential in discovering therapeutic approaches and providing insight to pathogenesis. However, numerous challenges have curtailed the implementation of this information into nursing practice and other medical professions. These include ethical, legal and social issues that are necessary for effective practice in the nursing profession. Despite significant advances made in immunogenetics, there remain various heritable risks that are unexplained making it hard to implement acceptable practices (Goris & Liston, 2012). The basic immunological mechanisms of autoimmune diseases are similar but many of their aspects like manifestation or age of onset will usually vary from one individual to the next making it harder to prevent occurrence.
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In advising a patient on whether to accept transplant or not, it is important that the nurse provides the patient and family with adequate information on immunogenetics. This is where the patient understands the role of the HLA in effective reception of an organ like kidney or liver. The nurse must also identify the importance and purpose of HLA testing in identifying best donor for the recipient (Rankin, 2005). The nurse must also indicate the various risks involved in transplant surgeries and depending on the HLA typing of the recipient how long it might take to receive a matching organ (Rankin, 2005). Using effective risk communication strategies will enable the patient to understand the nature of the medical process.
References
Goris, A. & Liston, A. (2012) “The Immunogenetic Architecture of Autoimmune Disease”, Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology , 4:1-15.
Rankin, J. (2005) Immunogenetics and rheumatoid arthritis: A review for orthopaedic nurses. Journal of Orthopaedic Nursing , 9(2): 64-76.
