Immunodeficiency
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See also page on Immunity.
Immunodeficiency can be primary or secondary. Genetic causes which affect multiple aspects of the immune system tend to present early in life with overwhelming, severe infection (eg SCID). More specific defects on the other hand, may present later in life with characteristic infections (eg meningococcal disease in complement deficiency), or indeed with no obvious increase in susceptibility to infection at all (eg IgA deficiency).
Natural immunity may be suppressed with drugs eg cytotoxics, steroids either intentionally, in the treatment of autoimmune disease, or incidentally. Such immunosuppression is seen increasingly as new therapies become available for cancers and autoimmune conditions.
Immunodeficient/immunocompromised patients need to take various precautions. Guidance exists concerning their need for vaccination, (for children[1] patients with rheumatic disease[2] and others[3]), and the precautions required (see the Green Book).
References
- ↑ Cant A, Davies G, Finn A, Foot A, Skinner R. Immunisation of the immunocompromised child: best practice statement Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, 2002 (February 2002); 1-35
- ↑ Snowden N. Immunisation of immunosuppressed patients with rheumatic disease. Chesterfield: Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC), 2007; 1-12
- ↑ Lobermann M, Borso D, Hilgendorf I, Fritzsche C, Zettl UK, Reisinger EC. Immunization in the adult immunocompromised host. Autoimmun Rev 2011 PMID: 21621004.
