Combined immunodeficiencies
Combined Immunodeficiencies
Combined immunodeficiencies (pronounced: kuhm-bahynd ih-myoo-noh-di-fish-uhn-seez) are a group of immune system disorders characterized by a severe impairment in both T cell and B cell function. These disorders are typically present from birth and are caused by genetic mutations.
Etymology
The term "combined immunodeficiencies" is derived from the combination of two words. "Combined" comes from the Latin word "combinare", meaning "to unite", and "immunodeficiencies" is a compound word formed from "immune", derived from the Latin "immunis" meaning "exempt", and "deficiency", derived from the Latin "deficientia" meaning "a lack or shortage".
Description
Combined immunodeficiencies are a group of disorders that primarily affect the body's ability to fight off infections. They are characterized by a severe impairment in both T cell and B cell function, which are crucial components of the immune system. These disorders are typically present from birth and are caused by genetic mutations.
Types
There are several types of combined immunodeficiencies, including:
- Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)
- Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS)
- Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T)
- DiGeorge Syndrome (DGS)
Symptoms
Symptoms of combined immunodeficiencies can vary greatly depending on the specific disorder, but they generally include an increased susceptibility to infections, particularly those caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Other symptoms may include growth delays, skin rashes, and autoimmune disorders.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of combined immunodeficiencies typically involves a series of tests to evaluate the function of the immune system. These may include blood tests, genetic testing, and immunological tests.
Treatment
Treatment for combined immunodeficiencies is typically focused on managing symptoms and preventing infections. This may involve the use of antibiotics, immunoglobulin therapy, and in severe cases, bone marrow transplantation.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Combined immunodeficiencies
- Wikipedia's article - Combined immunodeficiencies
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