Anthony was a normal, full-term baby at birth. Beginning atabout 8 months of age, he suffered from a series of infections suchas sinusitis, otitis media, and pneumonia. All of these conditionswere successfully treated with antibiotics, but within a few weeksof the resolution of one infection, another would occur. Now atabout three years old, Anthony is examined by a pediatrician whonotes that he lacks tonsils. After speaking to Anthony’s mother,she reveals that she had a male relative die at infancy from aninfectious disease. The pediatrician orders laboratory tests thatreveal that the quantity of immunoglobulin in Anthony’s serum isabout one-fifth of normal, and that there is a marked deficiency inthe number of circulating B-lymphocytes in his blood. However,tests determine that the functional state of Anthony’sT-lymphocytes are all normal. The doctor diagnosis Anthony with agenetic disorder.

1. What genetic disorder does Anthony have?

2. What is the cause of this genetic disorder?

3. Why did Anthony lack tonsils?

4. What treatment(s) will Anthony need and for how long?

5. Explain why Anthony was free of infections in the first 8months of life.

6. The infections that Anthony had are mostly caused bybacteria. Explain why he was more prone to bacterial infectionsthan viral infections.