Immunodeficiency syndromes

Framing

Immunodeficiency is classified as primary (genetic, presenting typically in childhood with recurrent/unusual infections) or acquired (secondary to another disease or treatment, e.g. HIV, immunosuppressive therapy, malignancy) - and by the arm of immunity affected (antibody/B-cell, cellular/T-cell, or combined) - this classification predicts the pattern of infections seen and the specific replacement/prophylactic treatment required
Recurrent, severe, unusual-organism, or persistent infections despite appropriate treatment should prompt immunodeficiency screening, since early recognition allows targeted prophylaxis (immunoglobulin replacement, prophylactic antimicrobials) that substantially reduces morbidity

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