Infections in Immunodeficiency

This table summarizes common infections associated with different types of immunodeficiencies.

Bacterial Infections with T-Cell Deficiency

For bacterial infections, a deficiency in T-cells is often associated with Sepsis.

Bacterial Infections with B-Cell Deficiency

B-cell deficiencies often lead to infections with encapsulated bacteria. A helpful mnemonic for these is SHINE my SKIS:

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Haemophilus influenzae type b
• Neisseria meningitidis
• Escherichia coli
• Salmonella
• Klebsiella pneumoniae, group B
• Streptococcus

Bacterial Infections with Granulocyte Deficiency

Granulocyte deficiencies are associated with “Some Bacteria Produce No Serious granules” including:

• Staphylococcus
• Burkholderia cepacia
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Nocardia
• Serratia

Bacterial Infections with Complement Deficiency

Complement deficiencies can involve encapsulated species with early complement deficiencies, or Neisseria with late complement (C5-C9) deficiencies.

Viral Infections in Immunodeficiency

For viral infections, T-cell deficiencies are associated with CMV, EBV, JC virus, VZV, and chronic infection with respiratory or GI viruses.

B-cell deficiencies are linked to Enteroviral encephalitis and poliovirus, where live vaccines are contraindicated.

Granulocyte and Complement deficiencies are generally not applicable for viral infections in this context.

Fungal and Parasitic Infections in Immunodeficiency

For fungal and parasitic infections, T-cell deficiencies are associated with Candida (local), PCP (Pneumocystis pneumonia), and Cryptococcus.

B-cell deficiencies are linked to GI giardiasis (no IgA).

Granulocyte deficiencies are associated with Candida (systemic), Aspergillus, and Mucor.

Key Note on B-cell and T-cell Deficiencies

It’s important to note that B-cell deficiencies tend to produce recurrent bacterial infections, whereas T-cell deficiencies produce more fungal and viral infections.

Topics Covered:

• Intro to Immunodeficiency & T-Cell Bacterial Infections
• B-Cell Deficiency and Encapsulated Bacteria
• Bacterial Infections: Granulocyte & Complement Deficiencies
• Viral Infections in Immunodeficiency
• Fungal
• Parasitic Infections & Key Deficiency Note