Immunodeficiency

The human immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins which act together to fight infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Patients who do not have a well-functioning immune system often complain of "catching everything that they run into" or sometimes say that they just get over one illness when they become ill with another. B lymphocytes originate in your bone marrow and produce antibodies which are the principal mode of defense against extracellular bacteria and exotoxins. They also can intercept viruses before they enter cells. Antibody classes are immunoglobulin A, M, G, D, and E.

Immunoglobulin G levels play the most important role in fighting off infections. These antibodies bind to the germs an the antibody complexes formed are then eliminated by other white blood cells, macrophages and the spleen. When people do not have adequate levels of antibodies in their blood they cannot fight infections well.

When your immune system is not functioning as it should, the result is an immunodeficiency. This does not imply AIDS and does not have anything to do with HIV infection. Many people immediately think of HIV infection when the word immunodeficiency is mentioned but there are many other causes of a poorly functioning immune system.

Hypogammaglobulinemia (low levels of antibodies) is one of the illnesses you will be screening for as a cause of your recurrent illnesses.

Common variable immunodeficiency is characterized by unusual infections and low levels of serum immunoglobulins. The particular type of antibody deficiency (IGG alone, both IGG and IGA, or IGG, IGA and IGM together) can vary from patient to patient. Not only does the disorder range from severe to mild, but it can also develop at any time, during infancy and childhood, during or after puberty, or even during the third or fourth decades of life. Tests may not only show markedly decreased antibodies, but also impaired antibody responses. They can help your doctor decide if you can benefit from therapy.

Additional screening will include rheumatologic illnesses such as sarcoidosis, lupus, Sjogren's disease or rheumatoid arthritis which all can present as part of their complex illnesses. Laboratory tests will be performed to eliminate these illnesses from consideration.

Genetic abnormalities such as alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency or adult cystic fibrosis will also be investigated.

If you have concerns related to recurrent infections, further evaluation may be recommended.