immunodeficiency disease

immunodeficiency disease

[-difish′ənsē]

any of a group of diseases caused by a defect in the immune system and generally characterized by susceptibility to infections and chronic diseases. Such diseases are sometimes classified as B cell (antibody) deficiencies, T cell (cellular) deficiencies, combined T and B cell deficiencies, defects of cell movement, and defects of microbicidal activity. See also severe combined immunodeficiency disease.

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immunodeficiency

a deficiency in the immune system, either that mediated by antibody or T lymphocytes, or both. See also agammaglobulinemia, hypogammaglobulinemia, feline immunodeficiency virus, bovine immunodeficiency virus.

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acquired immunodeficiency

see immune deficiency disease.

cancer-associated immunodeficiency

in general, associated with cachexia and debilitation, and also related to the type of neoplasia. Tumor-related effects on the immune system include impaired function of lymphocytes, altered cytokine production and activation of suppressor cell functions.

combined immunodeficiency

see combined immune deficiency syndrome (disease).

common variable immunodeficiency

a term encompassing a heterogeneous group of syndromes, which may be inherited or acquired, characterized by recurring persistent infections and deficiencies of some of the immunoglobulin classes.

congenital immunodeficiency

see immune deficiency disease.

immunodeficiency disease

see immune deficiency disease, combined immune deficiency syndrome (disease).

iatrogenic immunodeficiency

secondary immune deficiency disease.

severe combined immunodeficiency

see combined immune deficiency syndrome (disease).

X-linked immunodeficiency

an inherited form of severe combined immunodeficiency has been reported in dogs. Puppies fail to grow and die from overwhelming infections at an early age.