SECONDARY IMMUNODEFICIENCIES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

Abstract

Secondary immunodefciencies are defects in the immune function arising from non-genetic factors such as infections, non infectious diseases, therapeutic interventions (iatrogenic) or environmental impacts. These are not inherited and they are alleviated once the causative factor is removed. There are several most frequent causes of secondary immunodeficiency. Infection with bacterial, viruses, protozoa, helminths and fungal have been shown to cause immunosuppresion. Most prominent among infections is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Secondary immunodeficiencies are also seen in malignancies. B cell deficiencies have been detected in multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Hodgkin’s disease and advanced solid tumors are associated with impaired T cell functions. Most chemotherapeutic agents used for treatment of malignancies are also immunosuppressive. Other conditions in which secondary immunodeficiencies occur are diabetes mellitus, protein calorie malnutrition, burns, rheumatoid arthritis, renal diseases, etc. Different causes affect different components of the immune system.