Home > Encyclopedia of Children's Health > Bruton's Agammaglobulinemia

Definition

Bruton's agammaglobulinemia is a disorder that is present at birth (congenital) and is characterized by low or completely absent levels of immunoglobulins in the bloodstream. Bruton's agammaglobulinemia is also known as X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA).

Description

Children with XLA have very low, or completely absent, levels of immumoglobulins in their blood. Immunoglobulins are protein molecules in blood serum that function like antibodies. Without them, the body lacks a fully functioning immune system. Individuals with XLA are vulnerable to repeated, potentially fatal, bacterial infections.

Although persons with XLA carry the genes to produce immunoglobulins, a genetic defect on the X chromosome prevents their formation. This defect is not associated with the...