Idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia is a rare disorder of the immune system. The cause of this disorder is unknown (idiopathic). In this condition, the body has less number of fighter cells called CD4. The CD4 cells are glycoproteins found on the surface of immune cells called lymphocytes. A lymphocyte is a type of a white blood cell which is responsible to attack bacteria and viruses during the course of any infection in the body.
There is another serious disease, the HIV infection, in which one finds lowering of the CD4 count. However, in the case of ICL, the HIV infection is absent. People with this disorder have a weak immune system and they are prone to catch infections readily.
The cause of ICL unlike other idiopathic conditions is unknown. Some of the patients of ICL have a certain problem related to certain genes.
Some of the patients of ICL may have no symptoms, others may have conditions which suggest a low immune system such as hemolytic anemia, other infections like chickenpox and herpes zoster.
The diagnosis is based on the following criteria
A low CD4 count can be accidentally diagnosed during testing for repetitive infections. A low CD4 count is also found in leukemia, chemotherapy or in people who are on some immunosuppressive medicines.
Homeopathy is recommended for the treatment of idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia. Unlike the treatment of other autoimmune diseases, homeopathy aims to boost the patients’ weak immune system and thereby improve the CD4 count. It also helps in controlling the deterioration in the CD4 count and improves the general health of the patient in order to help individuals fight opportunistic infections. Homeopathy plays a supportive role in treating this disorder. It can be amalgamated with other indicated conventional mode of treatment.
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