Primary immunodeficiency (PID) occurs when one or more organs, tissues, cells, or proteins of the body’s immune system is missing or not functioning properly because of a genetic defect. Primary immunodeficiency (PID) diseases differ in many ways. Some types of PID are characterized by low levels of antibodies. Others involve defects in T cells, B cells, granulocytes or the complement system.
Because of these differences, individuals with different types of PID are susceptible to different types of diseases. Currently the World Health Organization lists over 150 different types of primary immunodeficiency.1 Different therapies are available for different types of PID. And healthy living habits can improve outcomes as well. In the resource section of the site we have provided tools to help you learn more about PIDs, your immune system, the diagnosis and treatment of PIDs, and how plasma—is collected and made safe.
In addition the website also includes links to support groups and associations dedicated to PIDs, and educational links to help enhance your knowledge.
Patients with secondary immunodeficiency (SID) can be susceptable to a weakening of their immune systems and as a result recurrent infections due to low antibody levels. A number of conditions such as malignancies, particularly those of the haematopoietic and lymphoreticular systems, metabolic disease, malnutrition, burns or severe infection can also cause defective immune function and poor antibody response. These conditions include but are not limited to chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL) and myeloma (MM). In addition the website also includes links to support groups and associations dedicated to PIDs, and educational links to help enhance your knowledge.