Definition
Immunodeficiency disorders occur when the body's immune response is reduced or absent.
See also: Autoimmune disorders
Symptoms
The symptoms vary with the specific disorder.
Causes
The immune system is made up of lymphoid tissue in the body, which includes the bone marrow, lymph nodes, thymus, tonsils, and parts of the spleen and gastrointestinal tract.
The immune system helps protect the body from harmful substances, called antigens . Examples of antigens include bacteria, viruses, toxins , cancer cells, and foreign blood or tissues from another person or species.
When the immune system detects an antigen, it ...
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Symptoms
The symptoms vary with the specific disorder.
Causes
The immune system is made up of lymphoid tissue in the body, which includes the bone marrow, lymph nodes, thymus, tonsils, and parts of the spleen and gastrointestinal tract.
The immune system helps protect the body from harmful substances, called antigens . Examples of antigens include bacteria, viruses, toxins , cancer cells, and foreign blood or tissues from another person or species.
When the immune system detects an antigen, it responds by producing antibodies that destroy the harmful substances. The immune system response also involves a process called phagocytosis. During this process, certain white blood cells swallow and destroy bacteria and other foreign substances.
Immune system disorders occur when the immune system does not fight tumors or harmful substances as it should. The immune response may be over active or ...
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Treatment
Usually, the immune response is a desired effect. Even deliberate immunosuppression (in the treatment of autoimmune disorders or organ transplant, for example) attempts to maintain a balance between suppression of parts of the immune system and the ability to fight disease and infection.
The goal of treatment for immunodeficiency disorders includes protection against (and treatment of) diseases and infections.
Immunocompromised patients should avoid contact with persons who have infections or contagious disorders. This may include avoiding people who have been immunized with live virus vaccines within the past two weeks.
Any illness or infection is treated aggressively in patients with immunosuppression. This may involve prolonged use of antimicrobials (antibiotics, antifungal medications), use of powerful antimicrobials to treat any infection, and preventive (prophylactic) treatments.
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Possible Complications
- Disease development
- Frequent or persistent illness
- Opportunistic infections
- Increased risk for certain cancers/tumors
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Outlook (Prognosis)
Some immunodeficiency disorders are mild and result in occasional illness. Others are severe and may be fatal. Immunosuppression that results from medications is often reversible once the medication is stopped.
Prevention
There is no known prevention for congenital immunodeficiency disorders. Safe sex practices and avoiding the sharing of body fluids may help to prevent HIV infection and AIDS. Good nutrition may prevent acquired immunodeficiency caused by malnutrition.
References
Bonilla FA, Bernstein IL, Khan DA, et al. Practice parameter for the diagnosis and management of primary immunodeficiency. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol . 2005 May;94(5 Suppl 1):S1-63.
