AGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA Meaning and
Definition
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Agammaglobulinemia is a medical condition characterized by the absence or severe reduction of immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, in the blood. Immunoglobulins are crucial proteins produced by the immune system to help fight off infections and diseases. This condition is typically caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the maturation and function of B cells, which are responsible for producing antibodies.
Individuals with agammaglobulinemia have an impaired immune response and are extremely susceptible to recurrent bacterial and viral infections, especially in the respiratory tract. Symptoms may include frequent pneumonia, sinusitis, otitis media, bronchitis, and gastrointestinal infections. Diagnosing agammaglobulinemia often involves measuring immunoglobulin levels in the blood and confirming the absence or severe reduction of multiple antibody classes.
As there is currently no cure for agammaglobulinemia, treatment focuses on managing the symptoms and preventing infections. This typically involves regular infusion or injection of immunoglobulin replacement therapy, where patients receive purified antibodies derived from healthy donors to boost their immune system. Prophylactic antibiotics may also be prescribed as a preventive measure against certain infections. In addition, individuals with agammaglobulinemia are advised to avoid contact with sick individuals and to receive recommended vaccinations to further protect themselves.
Overall, agammaglobulinemia is a rare immune disorder that significantly compromises the body's ability to defend against infections. Timely diagnosis and appropriate management are key to ensuring the best quality of life for affected individuals.
Common Misspellings for AGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA
- zgammaglobulinemia
- sgammaglobulinemia
- wgammaglobulinemia
- qgammaglobulinemia
- afammaglobulinemia
- avammaglobulinemia
- abammaglobulinemia
- ahammaglobulinemia
- ayammaglobulinemia
- atammaglobulinemia
- agzmmaglobulinemia
- agsmmaglobulinemia
- agwmmaglobulinemia
- agqmmaglobulinemia
- aganmaglobulinemia
- agakmaglobulinemia
- agajmaglobulinemia
- agamnaglobulinemia
- agamkaglobulinemia
Etymology of AGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA
The word "agammaglobulinemia" has its etymology rooted in Greek. It consists of several parts:
1. "A" is a prefix meaning "without" or "lacking".
2. "Gammar" is a Greek root meaning "marriage" or "union".
3. "Globul" is a Latin root meaning "small sphere" or "globule".
4. "Inemia" is a suffix denoting a blood condition.
Thus, when combining these parts, "agammaglobulinemia" refers to a medical condition characterized by the absence of gamma globulins, which are a type of protein responsible for antibody production. It is often used to describe a rare inherited immune disorder where the individual lacks or has significantly decreased levels of certain types of antibodies.
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