About
Agammaglobulinemia is an inherited disorder 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.
This 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. Immunoglobulins play a major role in the immune response, which protects against illness and infection.
People with this disorder develop infections again and again. Common infections include ones that are due to bacteria such as Haemophilus influenzae, pneumococci (Streptococcus pneumoniae), and staphylococci. Common sites of infection include:
- Gastrointestinal tract
- Joints
- Lungs
- Skin
- Upper respiratory tract
Agammaglobulinemia is inherited, which means other people in your family may have the condition.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms include frequent episodes of:
- Bronchitis (airway infection)
- Chronic diarrhea
- Conjunctivitis (eye infection)
- Otitis media (middle ear infection)
- Pneumonia (lung infection)
- Sinusitis (sinus infection)
- Skin infections
- Upper respiratory tract infections
Infections typically appear in the first 4 years of life.
Other symptoms include:
- Bronchiectasis (a disease in which the small air sacs in the lungs become damaged and enlarged)
- Asthma without a known cause
GENERAL CARE
SPECIALISTS
+ Primary Care Physician
+ Doctors proficient in Primary Immunodeficiency
BLOOD TESTS
The disorder is confirmed by blood tests that measure levels of immunoglobulins.
Tests include:
- Flow cytometry to measure circulating B lymphocytes
- Immunoelectrophoresis - serum
- Quantitative immunoglobulins - IgG, IgA, IgM (usually measured by nephelometry)
MEDICATIONS
Treatment involves taking steps to reduce the number and severity of infections. Antibiotics are often needed to treat bacterial infections.
Immunoglobulins are given through a vein or by injection to boost the immune system.
A bone marrow transplant may be considered.
METHODS OF HEALING - COMING SOON
HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED MORE SUPPORT?
If you have Agammaglobulinemia and want to help support this disease page, JOIN OUR TEAM and complete the application today. We'd love to have you!
RESOURCES
Here are some great links and resources to help you as you navigate your Autoimmune Disease.
AUTOIMMUNE STORIES
Their stories are brave, honest and intimately revealing of their diagnosis, their successes, their hardships and their lives. Sharing their stories allows them to put words to their journey while providing inspiration to others with an autoimmune disease.
