2. Until about 9 months of age a child appears to be healthy. Then he develops a

Question

2. Until about 9 months of age a child appears to be healthy. Then he develops a number of severe bacterial infections, one after another. These infections are successfully treated with antibiotics. Interestingly, when the child is infected with measles and other viral diseases the child recovers without unusual difficulty. Explain the different immune system responses to these infections. Why did it take so long for this disorder to become apparent? (Hint: IgG-where does it come from & how long will it last).

Explanation / Answer

The child may be suffering from an inherited disease, called Agammaglobulinemia, in which there is decreased or absence of immunoglobulin production by the fatal B-cells.

The child presents with recurrent infections, both bacterial and viral.

The maternal IgG is being transferred to fetus, and provides passive immunity against infections, mostly viral, up to fetal age of 6-18 months, after which these antibodies fall in titre.

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