immune disorders
Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency
Introduction
Leukocyte adhesion deficiency is an immunodeficiency disorder in which white blood cells (leukocytes) do not function normally, causing frequent soft-tissue infections. Symptoms of leukocyte adhesion deficiency usually begin during infancy and include frequent infections in soft tissues, such as the gums, skin, and muscles. Doctors do special blood tests to diagnose the disorder. Treatment involves antibiotics to prevent infections and transfusions of white blood cells, but stem cell transplantation is the only effective treatment. (See also Overview of Immunodeficiency Disorders .) Leukocyte adhesion deficiency is a Primary immunodeficiency . It is inherited as an In leukocyte adhesion deficiency, Components of the Immune System are lacking one of several proteins on their surface that help the cells move and to attach (adhere) to blood vessels and foreign cells. As a result, white blood cells are less able to travel to sites of infection and to kill and ingest bacteria and other foreign invaders. There are three forms of this disorder that are distinguished by the specific biochemical part of the immune system affected. 