Common variable immunodeficiency
Also called acquired hypogammaglobulinemia and agammaglobulinemia with immunoglobulin-bearing B cells, common variable immunodeficiency is characterized by progressive deterioration of B-cell (humoral) immunity. This results in increased susceptibility to infection.
Unlike X-linked hypogammaglobulinemia (which is seen in very early childhood), this disorder usually causes symptoms after infancy and childhood, between the ages of 25 and 40. It affects men and women equally and usually doesn’t interfere with normal life span or with normal pregnancy and offspring.
Causes
Exactly what causes common variable immunodeficiency is unknown. Most patients have a normal circulating B-cell count but defective synthesis or release of immunoglobulins. Many also exhibit progressive deterioration of T-cell (cell-mediated) immunity, which is revealed by delayed hypersensitivity skin testing.
