Primary Immune Deficiency Diseases

Quick Facts

• Primary immune deficiency diseases (PIDDs) are due to genetic mutations that are inherited; PIDDs should not be confused with secondary or acquired immune deficiencies, which are caused by something outside the body such as a virus or immune suppressing drugs.
• An estimated 500,000 Americans are afflicted with PIDDs; 5,000 to 10,000 are severely affected. 
• There are more than 150 different forms of PIDDs; almost all of these diseases are considered rare (affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States).
• Because of the high level of recurring infections in affected people, morbidity, mortality, and medical costs are high.
• With proper surveillance, many of these diseases can be detected in infancy and early childhood.