Learning Objective:
Recognize the characteristic pathogens associated with different primary immunodeficiencies (T-cell, B-cell, granulocyte, and complement defects).
Infections in Immunodeficiency
| Pathogen Type | T-cell Deficiency | B-cell Deficiency | Granulocyte Deficiency | Complement Deficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacteria | Sepsis | Encapsulated bacteria (SHINE my SKiS mnemonic: S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae type b, Neisseria meningitidis, E. coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella, group B Streptococcus) | Some bacteria produce no serious granules: Staphylococcus, Burkholderia cepacia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Nocardia, Serratia | Encapsulated species with early complement deficiencies; Neisseria with late complement (C5–C9) deficiencies |
| Viruses | CMV, EBV, JC virus, VZV, chronic respiratory/GI viruses | Enteroviral encephalitis, poliovirus (live vaccines contraindicated) | N/A | N/A |
| Fungi / Parasites | Candida (local), PCP, Cryptococcus | GI giardiasis (IgA deficiency) | Candida (systemic), Aspergillus, Mucor | N/A |
Activity
High-Yield Tips / Mnemonics
- SHINE my SKiS → Encapsulated bacteria in B-cell deficiencies: S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae type b, I. Neisseria meningitidis, N. E. coli, E. Salmonella, S. group B Strep, K. Klebsiella, S. (helps recall the common pathogens)
- B-cell deficiency → recurrent bacterial infections
- T-cell deficiency → recurrent viral and fungal infections
- Granulocyte deficiency → infections with bacteria that produce no serious granules (Staph, Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, Nocardia, Serratia)
- Complement deficiency → early: encapsulated bacteria; late (C5–C9): Neisseria
