A 9-month-old infant is seen by a physician because of a persistent skin infection.His white and red blood cell counts are normal.However,immunofixation electrophoresis indicates a low level of IgG.When the infant returns to the physician for a follow-up visit in a month,his IgG level has increased.What condition do these results indicate?

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The infant's normal white and red blood cell counts suggest that the issue is not with his production of blood cells, but with his immune system. The low level of IgG indicates hypogammaglobulinemia, which is a deficiency in antibody production. The fact that his IgG levels have increased on their own suggests that this is a transient condition, rather than a permanent immunodeficiency. Common variable immunodeficiency and DiGeorge anomaly are both more severe and typically present with additional symptoms beyond just low IgG levels. Severe combined immunodeficiency is a rare and severe immune disorder that would likely present with more dramatic symptoms at such a young age.

A 9-Month-Old Infant Is Seen by a Physician Because of a Persistent