The body’s immune system primarily defends one’s body against infections like bacteria, viruses and parasites. There are two broad categories of immune deficiency - those that one is born with (congenital), and those that are acquired after birth (secondary). Immune deficiency syndrome refers to a broad range of medical disorders that prevent your body from protecting itself from illnesses such as viruses and bacteria. There are a number of different types of congenital and acquired immune deficiency syndromes that can impact the body in a variety of ways.
As above, immune deficiency syndromes may be present at birth due to genetic defects to parts of the immune system (sometimes there is a family history of infections). Secondary (acquired) immune problems can result from many causes; viral infections, malnutrition, metabolic disorders (like kidney disease) diabetes, drugs, infections, cancer treatments or other medications. Even following surgery or loss of proteins from the body (for example from bowel abnormalities).
Depending on the cause, immune deficiencies can be treated with medications (e.g. antibiotics and intravenous immune globulin). For patients with a genetic defect that is causing the immune deficiency, a blood or marrow transplant may be a treatment option, with the potential to provide a new immune system for the patient..
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