Common immunodeficiency diseases

The immune system protects the body from bacteria and other threats. But sometimes the immune system has a weaker response to these threats. This weakening is called immunodeficiency and it makes you less able to fight off infections.

Immunodeficiency disorders prevent your body from fighting infections and diseases. This type of disorder makes it easier for you to catch viruses and bacteria. Immunodeficiency disorders are congenital or acquired. Acquired immunodeficiency disorders are more common than congenital disorders.
Your immune system includes the following organs: spleen, tonsils, bone marrow, lymph nodes. These organs make and release lymphocytes. These are white blood cells classified as B cells and T cells. B and T cells that fight invaders are called antigens. B cells release disease-specific antibodies that your body detects. T cells destroy foreign or abnormal cells.
Examples of antigens that your B and T cells may need to fight include: bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, parasites. An immunodeficiency disorder that disrupts your body's ability to defend itself against these antigens.

2.1 Primary Immunodeficiency Syndrome Primary immunodeficiency syndrome is a group of disorders that occur when certain components of the immune system (mainly cells and proteins) do not function properly. An estimated 1 in 2,000 people is diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency syndrome, however some forms of primary immunodeficiency syndrome are much less common than others. Some are relatively mild, while others are severe. The disease is usually detected in childhood, but can also be diagnosed in adulthood. Treatment for primary immunodeficiency depends on which part of the immune system is affected.
Primary immunodeficiency syndrome is caused by genetic or genetic defects of the immune system. This syndrome is not related to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), caused by viral infection (HIV). Primary immunodeficiency syndrome is not contagious - it is not possible to 'infect' or pass it on to others. However, children can inherit primary immunodeficiency from their parents. So people with primary immunodeficiency should seek genetic advice about their condition if they want to have children.
Normally the immune system helps the body fight infections caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. Because the immune system does not function properly, people with primary immunodeficiency syndrome are more susceptible to infections than others. These infections may be more frequent, they may be particularly serious or difficult to treat, or they may be caused by rare bacteria. The disease can occur in any season, including in the summer.
Common primary immunodeficiency diseases:
X-linked gamma globulinemia (XLA) Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). An inherited condition that causes severe weakness in many areas of the immune system. Babies with SCID die from over-infection, usually before reaching age 1. A bone marrow transplant can cure some cases of SCID. Common immunodeficiency (CVID). Due to a genetic defect, the immune system makes too few antibodies to fight the infection effectively. Children with CVID often develop infections of the ears, lungs, nose, eyes, and other organs. Treatment involves replacing missing antibodies with regular injections of antibodies, called immunoglobulins. 2.2 Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Secondary immunodeficiency syndrome occurs when an external source such as a toxic chemical or an infection attacks your body. The following can cause secondary immunodeficiency disorders:
Severe burns Chemotherapy Radiation Radiation Diabetes Malnutrition Examples of secondary immunodeficiency disorders include:
AIDS : HIV infect and destroy immune system cells that normally fight infection. As the number of immune system cells decreases, a person's chance of getting an infection increases. Cancer of the immune system, such as leukemia Complex immune diseases, such as viral hepatitis Multiple myeloma (plasma cell cancer).

People with a family history of primary immunodeficiency disorders have a higher than normal risk of developing primary disorders. Anything that weakens your immune system can lead to a secondary immunodeficiency disorder. For example, exposure to HIV-infected body fluids or removal of the spleen may be to blame. A splenectomy may be necessary because of conditions such as cirrhosis, sickle cell anemia, or injury to the spleen. Aging also weakens your immune system. As you get older, some white blood cell production also decreases. Protein is very important for your immunity. Not enough protein in the diet can also weaken the body's immune system. Your body also makes proteins while you sleep that help your body fight infections. For this reason, sleep deprivation lowers your immune defenses. Cancer and chemotherapy drugs can also lower your immunity.

Each disorder has characteristic symptoms that can be frequent or chronic. Some symptoms may include:
Red eyes Sinusitis Colds Diarrhea Pneumonia Yeast infection If these problems do not respond to treatment or you do not get better over time, your doctor may You may suspect that you have immunodeficiency syndrome.

If your doctor suspects you may have an immunodeficiency disorder, they will do some of the following:
Ask about family history Perform a physical exam Determine a white blood cell count Determine a cell count T cells Determining Immunoglobulin Levels Vaccines can check your immune system's response in what is called an antibody test. Your doctor will give you a vaccine. They will then test your blood for its response to the vaccine a few days or weeks later. If you do not have an immunodeficiency disorder, your immune system will make antibodies to fight the organisms in the vaccine.

Treatment for each immunodeficiency disorder will depend on the specific conditions. For example, AIDS causes a number of different infections. Your doctor will prescribe medication for each infection. And you may be given antiretroviral drugs to treat HIV.
Treatment of immunodeficiency disorders usually includes antibiotics and immunoglobulin therapy. Other antiviral medicines, amantadine and acyclovir, or a medicine called interferon are used to treat viral infections caused by immunodeficiency disorders.
If your bone marrow does not produce enough lymphocytes, your doctor may order a bone marrow (stem cell) transplant.

Primary immunodeficiency disorders can be controlled and treated, but they cannot be prevented.
Secondary immunodeficiency disorders can be prevented in a number of ways. For example, you can prevent yourself from getting AIDS by avoiding direct contact with the blood, body fluids, and genital fluids of someone with AIDS. When having contact with blood, secretions or genital fluids, it is necessary to apply preventive measures such as using condoms when having sex, using barriers such as goggles, gloves, gowns when having sex. taking care, immersing all items contaminated with blood and body fluids in an antiseptic water solution before handling are effective measures to prevent HIV infection.
If you have an infectious immunodeficiency syndrome like AIDS, you should keep others healthy by practicing safe sex and not letting bodily fluids come into contact with people who don't have the virus.
Sleep is important for a healthy immune system. According to the Mayo Clinic, adults need about eight hours of sleep each night. It's also important to stay away from people who are sick if your immune system isn't working properly.

Articles refer to sources: Webmd.com, Healthline.com