Antibody deficiencies are, by far, the most commonly reported immunodeficiencies worldwide.<sup>20 Fasth A. Primary immunodeficiency disorders in Sweden: Cases among children, 1974–1979 J Clin Immunol 1982 ;  2 : 86-92  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 24 Hayakawa H., Iwata T., Yata J. , e al. Primary immunodeficiency syndrome in Japan: I. Overview of a nationwide survey on primary immunodeficiency syndrome J Clin Immunol 1981 ;  1 : 31-39  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 40 Luzi G., Businco L., Aiuti F. Primary immunodeficiency syndromes in Italy: A report of the national register in children and adults J Clin Immunol 1983 ;  3 : 316-320  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 41 Matamoros Flori N., Mila Llambi J., Español Boren T. , e al. Primary immunodeficiency syndrome in Spain: First report of the national registry in children and adults J Clin Immunol 1997 ;  17 : 333-339

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 69 Zelazko M., Carneiro-Sampaio M., Cornejo de Luigi M. , e al. Primary immunodeficiency diseases in Latin America: First report from eight countries participating in the LAGID J Clin Immunol 1998 ;  18 : 161-166  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> The spectrum of antibody deficiencies ranges from severe deficiencies of all immunoglobulins (i.e., agammaglobulinemia) to milder, but clinically relevant, deficiencies of specific antibodies in patients with normal immunoglobulin concentrations. The prevalence of antibody deficiency syndromes typically increases with decreasing severity. IgA deficiency, which occurs in some asymptomatic individuals, is the commonest immunodeficiency.<sup>22 Hanson L.A., Bjorkander J., Oxelius V. Selective IgA deficiency Primary and secondary immunodeficiency disorders New York: Churchill Livingstone (1983).  62-84

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> The various types of antibody deficiency are best understood after a brief review of the development and function of antibody-mediated immunity.