Epidemiology

2 per 100,000 poulation

Aetiology

Multiple possible defects (not X-linked) - hypogammaglobulinaemia (IgG, usually IgA, possibly IgM)

Pathology

lack of antibodies to neutralise & opsonise pathogens → severe, persistent, unusual & recurrent infections & autoimmune, malignant, enteric & lymphoid disorders

PC

Patients present with clinical features of infections:

Streptococcus pneumoniae (LRTIs & septicaemia)

Haemophilus influenzae (URTI/LRTIs & meningitis)

Neisseria meningitidis (meningitis & septicaemia) Staphylococcus aureus (skin & soft tissueinfections)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ear infections & LRTIs)

Giardia lamblia (intestinal infection)

most common sites are ears & respiratory tract

Investigations