Immunodeficiency Summary

Immunodeficiency Overview

Immunodeficiency refers to a state where the immune system is impaired, preventing the body from effectively responding to infections and diseases. This results in increased susceptibility to infections caused by viruses or bacteria.

Types of Immunodeficiency Disorders

Immunodeficiency can be classified as either inherited (primary) or acquired (secondary).

• Inherited (Congenital) Disorders: Present at birth due to genetic abnormalities affecting the immune system. These manifest through recurrent infections and can be severe or mild, depending on the specific condition.
• Acquired Disorders: Develop later in life due to external factors such as infections, malnutrition, or medical treatments like chemotherapy.

Primary Immunodeficiency

• Characterized by the improper function or absence of certain immune components such as T-cells, B-cells, or antibody production, often leading to increased infections at a young age.
• DiGeorge Syndrome is a notable example, resulting from failure in the development of the thymus, leading to deficiencies in T-lymphocytes and heightened vulnerability to infections.

Secondary Immunodeficiency

• This type occurs later due to factors such as viral infections (e.g., HIV), malnutrition, and various medical conditions.
• HIV, primarily attacking the immune system's T-cells, can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), significantly impairing immune response.