Vnitr Lek 2026, 72(3):158-164 | DOI: 10.36290/vnl.2026.034

Secondary antibody deficiency - novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches

Tomáš Milota

Ústav imunologie, 2. lékařská fakulta Univerzity Karlovy, Fakultní nemocnice Motol a Homolka, Praha

Secondary antibody immunodeficiencies (SAD) are a heterogeneous group of diseases of acquired immune disorders that arise under broad spectrum of internal and external factors. Unlike primary antibody immunodeficiencies, they are often accompanied by multiple components of the immune system being affected, either within the disease itself or as a result of its treatment. The picture is often accompanied by neutropenia, lymphopenia, hypocomplementemia, etc. According to etiology, SAD can be divided into loss hypogammaglobulinemia and SAD associated with impaired antibody production. We assess the total levels of immunoglobulins and specific antibodies in laboratory diagnostics, including diagnostic vaccination. The severity of immunodeficiency, along with the frequency of infections, is also determined by their etiology and severity. The basic therapeutic approach is to reduce the risk of infections. To reach it, we usually use three basic treatment pillars - antibiotic prophylaxis, vaccination, and immunoglobulin replacement therapy.

Keywords: secondary antibody deficiency, antibiotic prophalyxis, immunoglobulin replacement therapy.

Accepted: April 23, 2026; Published: May 18, 2026  Show citation