common variable immunodeficiency

Definition: immunodeficiency of unknown cause, and usually unclassifiable; usual onset after age 15 years but may occur at any age in either sex; the total quantity of immunoglobulin is commonly less than 300 mg/dL; the number of B lymphocytes is often within normal limits but there is a lack of plasma cells in lymphoid tissue; cellular (T-lymphocyte) immunity is usually intact; there is an increased susceptibility to pyogenic sinopulmonary infection and often autoimmune disease.

Synonym(s): acquired agammaglobulinemia, acquired hypogammaglobulinemia

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