Final answer:
An infant boy with X-linked agammaglobulinemia is primarily treated with immunoglobulin replacement therapy and may require prophylactic or therapeutic antibiotics to prevent and fight infections. Continuous patient education is essential for managing this condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary treatment for an infant boy with X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is immunoglobulin replacement therapy. This condition is caused by a defect in the BTK gene, which is necessary for B-cell maturation. Without functional B cells, these patients lack the ability to produce sufficient antibodies to fight off infections. Immunoglobulin replacement therapy involves the regular administration of antibodies derived from donated blood to replace the missing immunoglobulins that the patient's body cannot produce.
In addition to immunoglobulin replacement, it is crucial to treat and prevent infections aggressively, as affected individuals are particularly susceptible to pyogenic infections caused by certain extracellular bacteria. Antibiotics may be used prophylactically or to treat active infections. Lastly, patient and family education about the importance of avoiding potential sources of infection, and awareness about the early signs of infection for prompt treatment, are fundamental components of managing XLA.
Although a bone marrow transplant can be a curative treatment for some primary immunodeficiencies, it is not the standard treatment for XLA and is associated with significant risks.