What symptom might a patient with immunodeficiency due to myeloperoxidase deficiency commonly present with?

What symptom might a patient with immunodeficiency due to myeloperoxidase deficiency commonly present with?

• A. Frequent respiratory infections
• B. Recurrent Candida infections
• C. Severe allergic reactions
• D. Autoimmune disorders

Answer: (B)

In patients with myeloperoxidase (MPO) deficiency, a key symptom they might present with is recurrent infections, specifically those caused by certain fungi and yeasts, including Candida. Myeloperoxidase is an enzyme found in neutrophils that plays a significant role in the immune response by producing hypochlorous acid from hydrogen peroxide and chloride ions. This enzymatic activity is crucial for the effective killing of bacteria and fungi. When MPO is deficient, neutrophils are less effective at producing this antimicrobial compound, making the patient more susceptible to infections from organisms that are typically combated by this immune process. Fungus like Candida can easily proliferate due to the impaired ability of neutrophils to manage the infection. In summary, patients with myeloperoxidase deficiency often experience recurrent Candida infections as a result of compromised innate immunity, particularly concerning the containment and clearance of fungal pathogens. This understanding clarifies why this choice accurately reflects the common symptom associated with this condition.

In patients with myeloperoxidase (MPO) deficiency, a key symptom they might present with is recurrent infections, specifically those caused by certain fungi and yeasts, including Candida. Myeloperoxidase is an enzyme found in neutrophils that plays a significant role in the immune response by producing hypochlorous acid from hydrogen peroxide and chloride ions. This enzymatic activity is crucial for the effective killing of bacteria and fungi.

When MPO is deficient, neutrophils are less effective at producing this antimicrobial compound, making the patient more susceptible to infections from organisms that are typically combated by this immune process. Fungus like Candida can easily proliferate due to the impaired ability of neutrophils to manage the infection.

In summary, patients with myeloperoxidase deficiency often experience recurrent Candida infections as a result of compromised innate immunity, particularly concerning the containment and clearance of fungal pathogens. This understanding clarifies why this choice accurately reflects the common symptom associated with this condition.