Antibody Deficiency Disorders

Also known as: antibody deficiency, specific antibody deficiency, primary immunodeficiency disorders, combined immunodeficiency, x-linked agammaglobulinemia, autosomal agammaglobulinemia, common variable immunodeficiency, transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy, IgA deficiency, IgG subclass deficiency, selective IgM deficiency, hyper IgM syndrome.

What are antibody deficiency disorders?

Antibodies are the components of your body’s adaptive immune system that fight infections or prevent infections from occurring. When the body does not produce enough antibodies, this is known as an antibody deficiency disorder. There are many different types resulting in a spectrum of symptoms.

What causes antibody deficiency disorders?

Antibody deficiency disorders are frequently the result of genetic mutations and can run in families. They can also be present along with certain other medical conditions, from certain medications, or acquired form different environmental exposures, like radiation exposure.

What are the symptoms of antibody deficiency disorders?

Some antibody deficiency disorders are asymptomatic, while others cause recurrent and sometimes severe upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Children typically present with recurrent ear infections, sinus infections, and pneumonia.

Children also tend to have poor growth, failure to thrive, and chronic diarrhea.

What are antibody deficiency disorder care options?

Treatment depends on the type of antibody deficiency disorders, and the frequency/severity of infections. For more severe cases, immunoglobulin replacement therapy is required. This replaces the IgG antibodies that are absent or not functioning properly. Preventive antibiotics or active treatment of present infections is also frequently required.


Reviewed by: Amy S Feldman, MD

This page was last updated on: May 05, 2021 01:43 PM

Pediatric Allergy & Immunology

The Clinical Immunology Division evaluates recurrent infections, and suspected or confirmed immunodeficiency disorders. Our Miami location also evaluates HIV and fevers of unknown origin.

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