Agammaglobulinemia is disorder passed down through families in which a person has very low levels of protective immune system proteins called immunoglobulins. Immunoglobulins are a type of antibody. Low levels of these antibodies make you more likely to get infections.
Agammaglobulinemia is a rare disorder that mainly affects males. It is caused by a gene defect that blocks the growth of normal, mature immune cells called B lymphocytes.
As a result, the body makes very little (if any) immunoglobulins in the bloodstream. Immunoglobulins play a major role in the immune response, which protects against illness and infection.
Persons with agammaglobulinemia repeatedly develop infections, especially bacterial infections such as Hemophilus influenzae, pneumococci (Streptococcus pneumoniae), and staphylococci. Common sites of infection include:
Agammaglobulinemia is inherited, which means other people in your family may have the condition.
Symptoms include frequent episodes of:
Infections typically appear in the first 4 years of life.
Other symptoms include:
The disorder is confirmed by laboratory measurement of blood immunoglobulins.
Tests include:
Treatment involves taking steps to reduce the number and severity of infections. You will receive immunoglobulins through a vein (IVIG), which boosts your immune system.
Antibiotics are often needed to treat bacterial infections.
Genetic counseling may be helpful.Treatment with IVIG has greatly improved the health of those who have agammaglobulinemia.
Without treatment, most severe infections are deadly.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:
Genetic counseling should be offered to prospective parents with a family history of agammaglobulinemia or other immunodeficiency disorders.
Bruton's agammaglobulinemia; X-linked agammaglobulinemia
Ballow M. Primary immunodeficiency diseases. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier;2011:chap 258.
Morimoto Y. Immunodeficiency overview. Prim Care. 2008;35(1):159-173.
Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
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