Natural Killer (NK) Cell Deficiency (नेचुरल किलर सेल डेफिशिएंसी) एक rare immunodeficiency disorder है जिसमें body की innate immunity कमजोर हो जाती है।
- NK cells शरीर की innate immune system का हिस्सा हैं।
- ये cells virus-infected cells और tumor cells को detect और destroy करते हैं।
- Deficiency होने पर व्यक्ति frequent infections और कुछ rare cancers के लिए susceptible हो जाता है।
Natural Killer Cell Deficiency क्या है (What is NK Cell Deficiency)
- Immune system disorder
- Reduced number or impaired function of NK cells
- Leads to increased susceptibility to viral infections (Herpes, CMV, EBV)
- Rarely associated with hematologic malignancies
Natural Killer Cell Deficiency कारण (Causes of NK Cell Deficiency)
1. Primary (Congenital / Genetic)
- Rare inherited immunodeficiency
- Mutations affecting NK cell development or function
2. Secondary (Acquired)
- HIV / AIDS
- Chemotherapy, radiotherapy
- Severe malnutrition
- Chronic viral infections
- Immunosuppressive therapy
3. Idiopathic
- Cause unknown in some individuals
Natural Killer Cell Deficiency लक्षण (Symptoms of NK Cell Deficiency)
- Frequent viral infections (HSV, CMV, EBV, varicella)
- Recurrent respiratory infections (cold, pneumonia)
- Oral or genital herpes outbreaks
- Slow recovery from infections
- Rarely, cancers or lymphoproliferative disorders
- Fatigue, malaise
Severity depends on extent of NK cell deficiency।
Natural Killer Cell Deficiency कैसे पहचाने (Diagnosis of NK Cell Deficiency)
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) – may show lymphopenia
- Flow Cytometry – measures NK cell count and percentage
- NK Cell Functional Assay – evaluates cytotoxic activity
- Genetic Testing – identifies congenital defects
- Clinical History – recurrent viral infections, poor response to vaccines
Early diagnosis critical for preventing severe infections।
Natural Killer Cell Deficiency इलाज (Treatment / Management)
1. Infection Management
- Prompt treatment of viral infections (antivirals: acyclovir, ganciclovir)
- Antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections
2. Immunotherapy / Supportive Care
- Interferon-alpha therapy in some cases to boost NK cell function
- IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) for secondary infections
3. Bone Marrow / Stem Cell Transplant
- Rarely considered in severe congenital NK cell deficiency
- Can restore functional NK cells
4. Lifestyle & Preventive Measures
- Good hygiene to prevent infections
- Avoid exposure to sick individuals
- Balanced nutrition and immune support
Early intervention reduces risk of severe infections and complications।
रोकथाम (Prevention)
- Genetic counseling in families with known congenital NK cell deficiency
- Vaccination for preventable diseases (in consultation with immunologist)
- Avoid exposure to viral infections
- Maintain healthy lifestyle and nutrition
सावधानियाँ (Precautions)
- Promptly report fever, viral rashes, or unusual infections
- Avoid live vaccines without medical advice in severe cases
- Monitor immune status regularly
- Adhere to antiviral therapy as prescribed
FAQs (अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न)
Q1. क्या NK Cell Deficiency पूरी तरह treatable है?
Congenital cases are challenging, but infection prevention, antiviral therapy, and supportive care help manage symptoms.
Q2. यह सिर्फ बच्चों में होता है या adults में भी?
Both; congenital form mostly in children, acquired form in adults due to immunosuppression or chronic infections।
Q3. क्या यह गंभीर है?
Depends on severity; severe deficiency leads to recurrent infections and rare cancers।
Q4. कौन high risk में है?
Immunocompromised individuals, congenital immune disorders, and patients on chemotherapy or steroids।
निष्कर्ष (Conclusion)
Natural Killer Cell Deficiency (नेचुरल किलर सेल डेफिशिएंसी) एक rare immunodeficiency disorder है।
Early diagnosis, antiviral therapy, infection prevention, immunotherapy, और supportive care से quality of life और infection risk बेहतर किया जा सकता है।
अगर किसी को recurrent viral infections, poor recovery from infections, या unusual infections दिखें, तो तुरंत immunologist से consultation जरूरी है।