immunodefisiensi

Immunodefisiensi, also known as immune deficiency, is a state in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious diseases and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. This makes individuals with immunodefisiensi more susceptible to infections. There are two main categories: primary immunodefisiensi, which are inherited disorders, and secondary immunodefisiensi, which are acquired due to external factors.

Primary immunodefisiensi are relatively rare and result from genetic defects affecting various components of the immune system, such as B cells, T cells, phagocytes, or the complement system. Examples include Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), DiGeorge syndrome, and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. These conditions often manifest in infancy or early childhood with recurrent, severe, or unusual infections.

Secondary immunodefisiensi are far more common and develop later in life. They can be caused by a wide range of factors, including malnutrition, certain medications (like chemotherapy or immunosuppressants used in organ transplantation), chronic diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease, and infections, most notably the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which leads to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause but generally involve an increased frequency and severity of infections. Diagnosis involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and specific laboratory tests to assess immune cell function and antibody levels. Treatment aims to manage infections, replace missing immune components if possible, and address the underlying cause where applicable.