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Recurrent pneumonias in patient with antibody deficiency and normal immunoglobulins

The authors report the case of a 7-year-old girl, with a history of recurrent respiratory infections since five months of age. Immunological evaluation at four years of age revealed a normal level of total serum immunoglobulins, but a deficient humoral response to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Although having all normal IgG subclasses, the patient had inadequate antibody levels to all serotypes tested (1, 3, 5, 6, 9, and 14). Concurrent radiological evaluation showed diffuse atelectasis and bronchiectasis. Patient was started on IVIG, and subsequent chest CT scan revealed resolution of the above-mentioned lesions. To prevent irreversible damage to lung parenchyma, due to recurrent lower respiratory infections, it is important to identify immunocompromised individuals and treat them accordingly.

Immunologic deficiency syndromes; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Immunization; Bronchiectasis; Agammaglobulinemia; Pneumococcal pneumonia; Intravenous immunoglobulins


Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Patologia, Laboratório de Poluição Atmosférica, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455, 01246-903 São Paulo SP Brazil, Tel: +55 11 3060-9281 - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
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