Mucosal Manifestations of Immunosuppression

Abstract

The clinical presentation of oral lesions in immunosuppressed children is highly variable. In some cases, it is the oral manifestations that results in the discovery an underlying disease that is causing the immunosuppression. Immunosuppression/deficiency can either be primary or acquired. The World Health Organization recognizes more than 100 primary immune deficiency diseases. Examples include DiGeorge syndrome, complement deficiencies, gammaglobulinemia X-linked (Bruton's) disease, immunoglobulin heavy chain deficiency, selective IgA deficiency, transient hypo-gammaglobulinemia of infancy, phagocytic disorders, severe congenital neutropenia (Kostmann syndrome), cyclic neutropenia, leukocyte adhesion defects, Chediak--Higashi syndrome, etc. Examples of acquired immunosuppression include HIV/AIDs and medication-induced immunosuppression seen in transplant patients as well as children undergoing chemotherapy.