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Published on: April 4, 2011
Primary antibody deficiency in Arabs: first report from eastern Saudi Arabia
1Department of Immunology, Regional Laboratory & Blood Bank, Ministry of Health, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Journal of Clinical Immunology
|October 30, 1998
Summary
This study reveals a higher prevalence of humoral immunodeficiency in the Arabian Peninsula compared to Western countries. Selective IgA deficiency and common variable immunodeficiency were the most frequent primary forms observed.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Humoral immunodeficiency diseases exhibit significant geographical and racial variations.
- Limited data exists on the prevalence and characteristics of humoral immunodeficiency in the Arabian Peninsula due to the absence of a national registry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels in patients suspected of immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, allergy, or immunoglobulin dyscrasia.
- To determine the prevalence and patterns of humoral immunodeficiency in the Arabian Peninsula.
Main Methods:
- Serum Ig levels were analyzed in 2000 consecutive patients (age 1-80 years) over six years.
- Patients were referred from six district hospitals for suspected immune-related conditions.
- Immunodeficient cases were identified, and primary humoral immunodeficiencies were categorized.
Main Results:
- Thirty-one cases (1.5% of the study population) were diagnosed with primary humoral immunodeficiency.
- The prevalence of primary humoral immunodeficiency was estimated at 1550 per 100,000 hospital-registered patients.
- The most frequent types were selective IgA deficiency (45%), common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) (29%), agammaglobulinemia (16%), and selective IgG deficiency (10%).
- The prevalence of humoral immunodeficiency appears higher in Arabs compared to Western populations, potentially linked to race and consanguinity.
- Patients with IgA deficiency frequently presented with infection, atopy, or autoimmunity.
- Agammaglobulinemia (both X-linked and non-X-linked) seems more prevalent in this population compared to others.
Conclusions:
- Humoral immunodeficiency, particularly selective IgA deficiency and CVID, is a significant health concern in the Arabian Peninsula.
- The higher observed prevalence may be influenced by genetic factors and consanguinity.
- Further research is warranted to understand the specific etiological factors and management strategies for humoral immunodeficiency in this region.
