Which statement best describes primary immunodeficiencies?

Which statement best describes primary immunodeficiencies?

• A. They are inherited or genetic.
• B. They are acquired due to infections.
• C. They are caused by nutritional deficiencies.
• D. They result from autoimmune destruction.

Answer: (B)

Primary immunodeficiencies are inherited, genetic disorders of the immune system. They arise from germline mutations that affect the development or function of immune cells and pathways, such as B cells, T cells, phagocytes, or components of the complement system. Because they are present from birth (though symptoms can appear later), their defining feature is a genetic defect rather than an external cause. The idea that they are acquired due to infections describes secondary immunodeficiencies, which can occur after infections or other factors (like certain medications or illnesses) but are not due to inherited defects in immune genes. Nutritional deficiencies can dampen immune function as a result of insufficient nutrients, and autoimmune conditions involve the immune system attacking the body, not a primary genetic defect in immune development. So, the statement that best describes primary immunodeficiencies is that they are inherited or genetic.

Primary immunodeficiencies are inherited, genetic disorders of the immune system. They arise from germline mutations that affect the development or function of immune cells and pathways, such as B cells, T cells, phagocytes, or components of the complement system. Because they are present from birth (though symptoms can appear later), their defining feature is a genetic defect rather than an external cause.

The idea that they are acquired due to infections describes secondary immunodeficiencies, which can occur after infections or other factors (like certain medications or illnesses) but are not due to inherited defects in immune genes. Nutritional deficiencies can dampen immune function as a result of insufficient nutrients, and autoimmune conditions involve the immune system attacking the body, not a primary genetic defect in immune development.

So, the statement that best describes primary immunodeficiencies is that they are inherited or genetic.