X-linked Agammaglobulinemia Presenting with Multiviral Pneumonia

Abstract

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a primary humoral immunodeficiency characterized by severe hypogammaglobulinemia and increased risk of infection. The genetic condition results from a mutation in the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) gene located on the X chromosome leading to a near absence of B cells. Patients affected by XLA are most commonly predisposed to frequent and severe bacterial infections. However, here we report the case of a 20-year-old male with XLA who presented with viral pneumonia with multiple pathogens. This coexistence has been rarely reported. The patient received intravenous immunoglobulin therapy with noted significant improvement in the two weeks of follow-up. His clinical history supports the hypothesis of increased susceptibility to viral pathogens in the absence of immunoglobulin therapy. The humoral defect is the cornerstone of this phenomenon. This case presents the importance of multiviral causes for patients with recurrent episodes of pneumonia in an immunocompromised state.

Keywords: hypogammaglobulinemia; multiviral pneumonia; xla.