X-linked agammaglobulinemia

Overview

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (a-gam-uh-glob-u-lih-NEE-me-uh) — or XLA — is an inherited (genetic) immune system disorder that reduces your ability to fight infections. People with XLA may experience infections of the inner ear, sinuses, respiratory tract, bloodstream and internal organs.

XLA affects males almost exclusively, although females can be genetic carriers of the condition. Diagnosis of XLA often occurs in infancy or early childhood, once it's clear that a child has experienced repeated infections. Sometimes, diagnosis doesn't occur until adulthood.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for X-linked agammaglobulinemia

• Expertise. Mayo Clinic doctors trained in immune system disorders have expertise in caring for people with XLA and other primary immunodeficiency conditions. The Primary Immunodeficiency Center at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota is a designated referral center for the Jeffrey Modell Foundation — a nonprofit organization that promotes and conducts research for primary immunodeficiency disorders.
• Diagnosis and treatment experience. Mayo Clinic doctors provide timely diagnosis and treatment for people with XLA. Doctors work closely with you to provide the most appropriate care for your or your child's needs, focusing on decreasing the frequency and the severity of your infections. Doctors trained in pediatric immunodeficiency disorders care for children with XLA and other immune system disorders.
• Genetic counseling. Analysis of your DNA can reveal whether you have the inherited gene that causes XLA. Mayo Clinic's Department of Medical Genetics can help you understand how a genetically based disorder such as XLA affects you or your child and your family.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

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Read more about primary immunodeficiency.