immunodeficiency disorders

B-cell (antibody) deficiency:
- high-grade pathogens: pneumococcus, strep, H. flu
- chronic sinopulmonary disease
- usual survival to adulthood
T-cell (cellular) deficiency:
- low-grade pathogens: fungi, viruses, Pneumocystic
- growth retardation, diarrhea, delayed anergy
- short life-span
- susceptible to graft vs. host (GvH) disease
- e.g.: DiGeorge syndrome, Nezelhof syndrome

Note: increased risk of malignancy

Charles E. Kahn, Jr., MD - 2 February 1995
Last updated: 1 October 2013