Pulmonary manifestations of immune deficiency diseases.

The defense of the respiratory system against infection involves a complex interplay of the humoral immune system and the cellular immune system with complement and phagocytic cells. The respiratory tract is an important portal of entry for infection, and it is therefore not surprising that many immune deficiencies present initially with a respiratory infection. Thus, pediatric pulmonologists must be familiar with the pulmonary manifestation of immune deficiency. In this article we review current concepts concerning pulmonary disease in children with primary immune deficiency diseases and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).