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Immunodeficiency
Medical Questions » Immunodeficiency
| Name: Immunodeficiency |
| Also known as: |
| The immune system is centered on the thymus gland (which sits behind the top of the breast bone), the bone marrow and lymph nodes (mainly in the armpit, groin and neck). These produce white blood cells and antibodies (chemicals that attack specific viruses or bacteria) which circulate in the bloodstream to detect and destroy invading germs. Immunodeficiency (a lack of immunity to infection) is a rare condition that is caused by a lack of or abnormal white blood cells, or a lack of immunoglobulin, which is the building block of antibodies. Most cases occur in children, and usually within a year of birth. |
Causes of Immunodeficiency
A number of very rare diseases are responsible for immunodeficiency, including di George syndrome (a failure of the thymus to develop), Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (an inherited failure to produce white cells), and agammaglobulinaemia (a lack of gamma immunoglobulin). Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is also a form of immunodeficiency in which the white cells are destroyed by the virus causing AIDS. |
Symptoms of Immunodeficiency
Frequent severe infections, and sometimes patients bleed and bruise easily. |
Tests for Immunodeficiency
Diagnosed by blood tests and biopsy of bone marrow and other organs. |
Treatment for Immunodeficiency
Medications may slow the progress of the condition and treat resultant infections.
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Complications of Immunodeficiency of its treatment
Increased incidence of cancer. |
Likely Outcome of Immunodeficiency
Patients with most forms of immunodeficiency cannot be cured. Children often die early in life. |
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