What is Primary Immunodeficiency?

Primary immunodeficiency occurs when one or more of the organs, tissues, cells, or proteins of the body’s immune system is missing or is not functioning properly because of a genetic defect.

How do you get PID?

Genes carry instructions like a blue print for forming the body. Small changes or mutations in just one gene can lead to immune system birth defects and diseases. One or both parents may carry a gene like this. When the child inherits a mutated gene, the developmental errors in the immune system can create different types of PID.

When can PID occur?

Recurring infections can often be seen early on in the child’s life. However, signs and symptoms of immune disease may also occur in older children, teenagers, or adults. Primary immune diseases can range from mild to very serious conditions.

What are the characteristics?

Currently over 100 PIDs have been identified and the numbers are increasing. PIDs differ from one another in many ways. Some types of PIDs are characterised by a defect in one or more of the functions of the normal immune system, which may be either a weakness or absence of certain types of white blood cells (T cells, B cells, cytocytic cells), or the complement system (a system of proteins that helps defend against infection). The cells and proteins of the immune system directly impact which antibodies are made and how effectively they do their job to fight off invading germs, or ‘pathogens.’ When certain cells of the immune defence system are missing, individuals are vulnerable to specific types of diseases.