Infections Hypogammaglobulinemia Can Cause

Hypogammaglobulinemia is a disorder where the immune system is inhibited from making an adequate quantity of immunoglobulin antibodies. Immunoglobulins are a type of antibody that viruses, bacteria, animal dander, cancer cells, and fungi trigger the immune system to make as a response to the foreign substance. These antibodies are incredibly important because they are proteins that essentially put a tag on the foreign invaders so the body and immune system can recognize and subsequently attack them. In individuals with hypogammaglobulinemia, the immune system is not able to adequately prevent infections from growing in the body. There are a number of infections a hypogammaglobulinemia patient can easily contract that can cause serious damage to organs and other life-threatening complications.

Meningitis

Meningitis is a disease that happens when the fluids surrounding the meninges cause an infection. The meninges are the brain and spinal cord's three protective membranes, and when the fluid around them becomes infected, the meninges become severely inflamed. This severe inflammation is what characterizes meningitis. Because the disease is caused by a bacterial infection, the immunoglobulin G antibodies are responsible for a good amount of the work it takes to fight this infection. Immunoglobulin A antibodies are also very important because they are responsible for the protection of surfaces that come in contact with outside foreign substances like viruses, bacteria, and fungi. When an individual has hypogammaglobulinemia, their body cannot effectively make enough of both of these immunoglobulin antibodies that have the ability to fight off the infections that cause most cases of meningitis. Hypogammaglobulinemia patients often experience meningococcal infections that can lead to some permanent scarring on parts of the brain stem.

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