partial combined immunodeficiency (PCID)
An immune disorder in which the IMMUNE SYSTEM is missing key components. Most often people who have PCID lack certain leukocytes (white BLOOD cells), which impairs their ability to form antibodies (develop IMMUNITY) and fight INFECTION. The abnormality might be with cell differentiation, maturity, or function. Sometimes PCID involves deficits of complement factors, the specialized proteins that activate ANTIBODY-ANTIGEN binding. Symptoms of PCID vary somewhat, depending on the immune deficit though generally include frequent infections and autoimmune reactions. Common infections are PNEUMONIA and CANDIDIASIS (thrush). OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTION may also occur. Autoimmune reactions often involve the SKIN, appearing as atopic DERMATITIS and other rashes.
The diagnostic path typically includes blood tests that measure the types and quantities of white blood cells, IMMUNOGLOBULIN, and complement factors. GENETIC TESTING may identify the presence of GENETIC DISORDERS that have IMMUNODEFICIENCY components. Treatment varies according to the immunodeficiency and severity of symptoms, though usually includes ANTIBIOTIC MEDICATIONS to control infections and GAMMAGLOBULIN injections to bolster the IMMUNE RESPONSE.
See also ANTIBODY-MEDIATED IMMUNITY; CELL-MEDIATED IMMUNITY; COMMON VARIABLE IMMUNODEFICIENCY (CVID); COMPLEMENT CASCADE; IMMUNE DISORDERS; LEUKOCYTE; LIVING WITH IMMUNE DISORDERS; RASH; SEVERE COMBINED IMMUNODEFICIENCY (SCID).
