Secondary immunodeficiency
Secondary Immunodeficiency
Secondary immunodeficiency (pronounced: /ˌsɛkənˈdɛri ˌɪmjuːnoʊdɪˈfɪʃənsi/), also known as acquired immunodeficiency, is a state in which the immune system is less effective due to an external factor. This is in contrast to primary immunodeficiency, which is caused by genetic defects.
Etymology
The term "secondary immunodeficiency" is derived from the Latin word "secundarius" meaning "second" and the Greek words "immunos" meaning "exempt" and "deficiency" meaning "lack". This term is used to describe the condition where the immune system becomes less effective due to factors other than genetic defects.
Causes
Secondary immunodeficiency can be caused by a variety of factors including malnutrition, aging, certain infections, and medical treatments such as chemotherapy or immunosuppressive drugs. It can also occur as a result of diseases such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and leukemia.
Symptoms
Symptoms of secondary immunodeficiency can vary widely depending on the underlying cause, but may include frequent or recurrent infections, poor wound healing, fatigue, weight loss, and an increased susceptibility to autoimmune diseases and certain types of cancer.
Treatment
Treatment for secondary immunodeficiency typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This may include nutritional support for those with malnutrition, appropriate treatment for infections, and adjustment of medication doses for those receiving chemotherapy or immunosuppressive drugs. In some cases, immunoglobulin therapy may be used to boost the immune system.
Related Terms
- Primary immunodeficiency
- Immunodeficiency
- Immune system
- Immunosuppressive drug
- Immunoglobulin therapy
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Secondary immunodeficiency
- Wikipedia's article - Secondary immunodeficiency
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski