Overview
Immunodeficiency due to selective anti-polysaccharide antibody deficiency (also called Specific Antibody Deficiency, or SAD) is a rare immune system disorder where the body cannot make enough of a specific type of antibody needed to fight certain bacteria. Normally, your immune system learns to recognize and attack bacteria that have a sugar-coated outer shell (called a polysaccharide capsule). In people with this condition, that learning process does not work properly, leaving them vulnerable to repeated infections — especially in the lungs, sinuses, and ears. The most common bacteria that cause problems are Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and Haemophilus influenzae. People with this condition often experience frequent ear infections, sinus infections, and pneumonia, sometimes starting in childhood. Unlike some other immune deficiencies, the overall antibody levels in the blood may look normal, which can make this condition easy to miss. Treatment focuses on preventing and managing infections. This may include preventive antibiotics, vaccination strategies, and in some cases immunoglobulin replacement therapy (giving the body ready-made antibodies through an infusion or injection). With proper management, most people can lead relatively normal lives, though ongoing medical monitoring is important.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Frequent ear infections (otitis media)Recurring sinus infections (sinusitis)Repeated lung infections or pneumoniaChronic coughHearing loss from repeated ear infectionsFatigue and low energySlow recovery from respiratory illnessesBronchiectasis (permanent widening and scarring of the airways from repeated infections)Wheezing or asthma-like symptoms
Clinical phenotype terms (19)— hover any for plain English
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Immunodeficiency due to selective anti-polysaccharide antibody deficiency.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Immunodeficiency due to selective anti-polysaccharide antibody deficiency.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How severe is my (or my child's) antibody deficiency, and do I need immunoglobulin replacement therapy?,Which vaccines should I receive, and will they actually work given my immune condition?,Should I take daily preventive antibiotics, and if so, for how long?,How will we know if my condition is getting better or worse over time?,What signs of infection should prompt me to go to the emergency room rather than wait for a regular appointment?,Is there a chance my child will outgrow this condition?,Are there any clinical trials or new treatments I should know about?
Common questions about Immunodeficiency due to selective anti-polysaccharide antibody deficiency
What is Immunodeficiency due to selective anti-polysaccharide antibody deficiency?
Immunodeficiency due to selective anti-polysaccharide antibody deficiency (also called Specific Antibody Deficiency, or SAD) is a rare immune system disorder where the body cannot make enough of a specific type of antibody needed to fight certain bacteria. Normally, your immune system learns to recognize and attack bacteria that have a sugar-coated outer shell (called a polysaccharide capsule). In people with this condition, that learning process does not work properly, leaving them vulnerable to repeated infections — especially in the lungs, sinuses, and ears. The most common bacteria that c
Which specialists treat Immunodeficiency due to selective anti-polysaccharide antibody deficiency?
2 specialists and care centers treating Immunodeficiency due to selective anti-polysaccharide antibody deficiency are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.