Final answer:
Common variable immunodeficiency is caused by B cell deficiency, which is a genetic condition leading to decreased or dysfunctional antibody-producing cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is caused by a B cell deficiency. This condition falls under the category of primary immunodeficiencies, which are caused by genetic abnormalities. In the case of CVID, individuals have a reduction in the number of B cells or these cells are present but do not function properly, leading to a deficit in antibody production. Unlike CVID, Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease (SCID) affects both B cell and T cell arms of the adaptive immune response, whereas agammaglobulinemia results in a lack of production of antibodies similar to CVID but often more severe.