[Acquired immunodeficiency].

Secondary immunodeficiencies are much more frequent than primary immunological disorders. There are many etiologies, such as malnutrition, cytostatic drug therapy, burns, protein-losing conditions and infections. This review briefly considers the history of virus-induced immunosuppression. Today, measles and AIDS are the most important virus-induced immunodeficiency diseases. In rate instances, infections with Epstein-Barr virus can lead to hypogammaglobulinemia and B cell lymphomas. A viral etiology should always be considered in all cases of congenital and postnatally acquired immunological disorders.