Abstract
Humoral immune deficiencies are conditions which cause impairment of humoral immunity, which can lead to immunodeficiency. It can be mediated by insufficient number or function of B cells, the plasma cells they differentiate into, or the antibody secreted by the plasma cells. The most common such immunodeficiency is inherited selective IgA deficiency, occurring between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1000 persons, depending on population.They are associated with increased vulnerability to infection, but can be difficult to detect (or asymptomatic) in the absence of infection.They can be associated with increased risk of gastric cancer.
Signs and symptoms
Signs/symptoms of humoral immune deficiency depend on the cause, but generally include signs of infection such as:
- Sinusitis
- Sepsis
- Skin infection
- Pneumonia
Causes
Cause of this deficiency is divided into "primary" and "secondary":
- Primary the International Union of Immunological Societies classifies primary immune deficiencies of the humoral system as follows:
- Secondary secondary (or acquired) forms of humoral immune deficiency are mainly due to hematopoietic malignancies and infections that disrupt the immune system:
Diagnosis
In terms of diagnosis of "humoral immune deficiency" depends upon the following:
- Measure "serum immunoglobulin levels"
- B cell count
- Family medical history
Treatment
Treatment for "B cell deficiency"(humoral immune deficiency) depends on the cause, however generally the following applies:
- Treatment of infection(antibiotics)
- Surveillance for malignancies
- Immunoglobulin replacement therapy