| |
common variable immunodeficiency(CVID)
a diverse group of disorders characterized by decreased levels of gamma globulins, lowered production of antibodies when there is an antigenic challenge, and recurrent infections; this is often associated
with blood disorders or autoimmune disease. Most patients have normal numbers of circulating B cells but lack plasma cells and appear to have an intrinsic defect of B cell differentiation. However, two other forms are also recognized: that due
to a disorder of T lymphocyte regulation and that due to production of autoantibodies against T and B lymphocytes.

Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
Click here for important legal information about Dorland's Medical Dictionary.
|