Immunodeficiency: Difference between revisions
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The treatment of primary immunodeficiencies depends on the nature of the defect, and may involve antibody infusions, long-term antibiotics and (in some cases) [[Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation|stem cell transplantation]]. |
The treatment of primary immunodeficiencies depends on the nature of the defect, and may involve antibody infusions, long-term antibiotics and (in some cases) [[Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation|stem cell transplantation]]. |
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===Secondary Immunodeficiencies=== |
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Also known as aquired immunodeficiencies, these diseases can result from infections, nutritional abnormalities or medical treatment. Among the acquired diseases is [[AIDS]].<ref>Basic Immunology: Functions and Disorders of the Immune System, 3rd Ed. 2011.</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 00:50, 5 August 2011
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (November 2007) |
| Immunodeficiency | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Immunology  |
Immunodeficiency (or immune deficiency) is a state in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease is compromised or entirely absent. Most cases of immunodeficiency are acquired ("secondary") but some people are born with defects in their immune system, or primary immunodeficiency. Transplant patients take medications to suppress their immune system as an anti-rejection measure, as do some patients suffering from an over-active immune system. A person who has an immunodeficiency of any kind is said to be immunocompromised. An immunocompromised person may be particularly vulnerable to opportunistic infections, in addition to normal infections that could affect everyone.
Types
Primary immunodeficiency (PID)
A number of rare diseases feature a heightened susceptibility to infections from childhood onward. Primary Immunodeficiency is also known as congenital immunodeficiencies.[1] Many of these disorders are hereditary and are autosomal recessive or X-linked. There are over 80 recognised primary immunodeficiency syndromes; they are generally grouped by the part of the immune system that is malfunctioning, such as lymphocytes or granulocytes.[2]
The treatment of primary immunodeficiencies depends on the nature of the defect, and may involve antibody infusions, long-term antibiotics and (in some cases) stem cell transplantation.
Secondary Immunodeficiencies
Also known as aquired immunodeficiencies, these diseases can result from infections, nutritional abnormalities or medical treatment. Among the acquired diseases is AIDS.[3]
References
- ^ Basic Immunology: Functions and Disorders of the Immune System, 3rd Ed. 2011.
- ^ Rosen FS, Cooper MD, Wedgwood RJ (1995). "The primary immunodeficiencies". N. Engl. J. Med. 333 (7): 431–40. doi:10.1056/NEJM199508173330707. PMID 7616993.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Basic Immunology: Functions and Disorders of the Immune System, 3rd Ed. 2011.
External links
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