Primary immunodeficiency

Date Updated: 01/30/2020

Overview

Primary immunodeficiency disorders — also called primary immune disorders or primary immunodeficiency — weaken the immune system, allowing infections and other health problems to occur more easily.

Many people with primary immunodeficiency are born missing some of the body's immune defenses or with the immune system not working properly, which leaves them more susceptible to germs that can cause infections.

Some forms of primary immunodeficiency are so mild they can go unnoticed for years. Other types are severe enough that they're discovered soon after an affected baby is born.

Treatments can boost the immune system in many types of primary immunodeficiency disorders. Research is ongoing, leading to improved treatments and enhanced quality of life for people with the condition.

Symptoms

One of the most common signs of primary immunodeficiency is having infections that are more frequent, longer lasting or harder to treat than are the infections of someone with a normal immune system. You may also get infections that a person with a healthy immune system likely wouldn't get (opportunistic infections).

Signs and symptoms differ depending on the type of primary immunodeficiency disorder, and they vary from person to person.

Signs and symptoms of primary immunodeficiency can include:

Frequent and recurrent pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, ear infections, meningitis or skin infections
Inflammation and infection of internal organs
Blood disorders, such as low platelet counts or anemia
Digestive problems, such as cramping, loss of appetite, nausea and diarrhea
Delayed growth and development
Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or type 1 diabetes

When to see a doctor

If your child or you have frequent, recurrent or severe infections or infections that don't respond to treatments, talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment of primary immune deficiencies can prevent infections that can cause long-term problems.

Causes

Many primary immunodeficiency disorders are inherited — passed down from one or both parents. Problems in the genetic code that acts as a blueprint for producing the cells of the body (DNA) cause many of the immune system defects.

There are more than 300 types of primary immunodeficiency disorders, and researchers continue to identify more. They can be broadly classified into six groups based on the part of the immune system that's affected:

B cell (antibody) deficiencies
T cell deficiencies
Combination B and T cell deficiencies
Defective phagocytes
Complement deficiencies
Unknown (idiopathic)

Risk factors

The only known risk factor is having a family history of a primary immune deficiency disorder, which increases your risk of having the condition.

If you have a type of primary immune deficiency disorder, you might want to seek genetic counseling if you plan to have a family.

Complications

Complications caused by a primary immunodeficiency disorder vary, depending on what type you have. They can include:

Recurrent infections
Autoimmune disorders
Damage to heart, lungs, nervous system or digestive tract
Slowed growth
Increased risk of cancer
Death from serious infection

Prevention

Because primary immune disorders are caused by genetic defects, there's no way to prevent them. But when you or your child has a weakened immune system, you can take steps to prevent infections:

Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands with mild soap after using the toilet and before eating.
Take care of your teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Eat right. A healthy, balanced diet can help prevent infections.
Be physically active. Staying fit is important to your overall health. Ask your doctor what activities are appropriate for you.
Get enough sleep. Try to go to sleep and get up at the same time daily, and get the same number of hours of sleep every night.
Manage stress. Some studies suggest that stress can hamper your immune system. Keep stress in check with massage, meditation, yoga, biofeedback or hobbies. Find what works for you.
Avoid exposure. Stay away from people with colds or other infections and avoid crowds.
Ask your doctor about vaccinations. Find out which ones you should have.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your history of illnesses and whether any close relatives have an inherited immune system disorder. Your doctor will also perform a physical examination.

Tests used to diagnose an immune disorder include:

Blood tests. Blood tests can determine if you have normal levels of infection-fighting proteins (immunoglobulin) in your blood and measure the levels of blood cells and immune system cells. Abnormal numbers of certain cells can indicate an immune system defect.

Blood tests can also determine if your immune system is responding properly and producing proteins that identify and kill foreign invaders such as bacteria or viruses (antibodies).
Prenatal testing. Parents who have a child with a primary immunodeficiency disorder might want to be tested for certain immunodeficiency disorders during future pregnancies. Samples of the amniotic fluid, blood or cells from the tissue that will become the placenta (chorion) are tested for abnormalities.

In some cases, DNA testing is done to test for a genetic defect. Test results make it possible to prepare for treatment soon after birth, if necessary.

Treatment

Treatments for primary immunodeficiency involve preventing and treating infections, boosting the immune system, and treating the underlying cause of the immune problem. In some cases, primary immune disorders are linked to a serious illness, such as an autoimmune disorder or cancer, which also needs to be treated.

Managing infections

Treating infections. Infections require rapid and aggressive treatment with antibiotics. Treatment might require a longer course of antibiotics than is usually prescribed. Infections that don't respond may require hospitalization and intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
Preventing infections. Some people need long-term antibiotics to prevent respiratory infections and permanent damage to the lungs and ears. Children with primary immunodeficiency might not be able to have vaccines containing live viruses, such as oral polio and measles-mumps-rubella.
Treating symptoms. Medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) for pain and fever, decongestants for sinus congestion, and expectorants to thin mucus in the airways might help relieve symptoms caused by infections.

Treatment to boost the immune system

Immunoglobulin therapy. Immunoglobulin consists of antibody proteins needed for the immune system to fight infections. It can either be injected into a vein through an IV line or inserted underneath the skin (subcutaneous infusion). IV treatment is needed every few weeks, and subcutaneous infusion is needed once or twice a week.
Interferon-gamma therapy. Interferons are naturally occurring substances that fight viruses and stimulate immune system cells. Interferon-gamma is a manufactured (synthetic) substance given as an injection in the thigh or arm three times a week. It's used to treat chronic granulomatous disease, one form of primary immunodeficiency.
Growth factors. When immune deficiency is caused by a lack of certain white blood cells, growth factor therapy can help increase the levels of immune-strengthening white blood cells.

Stem cell transplantation

Stem cell transplantation offers a permanent cure for several forms of life-threatening immunodeficiency. Normal stem cells are transferred to the person with immunodeficiency, giving him or her a normally functioning immune system. Stem cells can be harvested through bone marrow, or they can be obtained from the placenta at birth (cord blood banking).

The stem cell donor — usually a parent or other close relative — must have body tissues that are a close biological match to those of the person with primary immunodeficiency. Even with a good match, however, stem cell transplants don't always work.

The treatment often requires that functioning immune cells be destroyed using chemotherapy or radiation before the transplants, leaving the transplant recipient temporarily even more vulnerable to infection.

Coping and support

Most people with primary immunodeficiency can go to school and work like everyone else. Still, you might feel as if no one understands what it's like to live with the constant threat of infections. Talking to someone who faces similar challenges may help.

Ask your doctor if there are support groups in the area for people with primary immunodeficiency or for parents of children with the disease. The Immune Deficiency Foundation has a peer support program, as well as information on living with primary immunodeficiency.

Preparing for an appointment

You'll likely start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. You might then be referred to a doctor who specializes in disorders of the immune system (immunologist).

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Write down symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment, and when they began.
Bring copies of records from hospitalizations and medical test results, including X-rays, blood test results and culture findings.
Ask family members about the family medical history, including whether anyone was diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency, or if your family has babies or children who died of unknown causes.
Make a list of medications, vitamins and supplements you or your child takes, including doses. If possible, list all of the antibiotic prescriptions and the dosages you or your child has taken for the past several months.
Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Ask a family member or friend to come with you, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.

For primary immunodeficiency, questions to ask your doctor include:

What's the most likely cause of these symptoms?
Are there other possible causes?
What tests are needed? Do these tests require special preparation?
What's the prognosis?
What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
I have other health problems, how do I manage them together?
Are there alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
Are there activity restrictions?
Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask any other questions, as well.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor or your child's doctor is likely to ask you questions, including:

When did the symptoms begin?
Have symptoms been continuous or occasional?
How many infections have you or your child had during the past year?
How long do these infections usually last?
Do antibiotics usually clear up the infection?
How many times has your child taken antibiotics during the last year?