What are primary and secondary immune deficiency diseases?
There are two types of immune deficiency diseases: primary and secondary. Primary immune deficiency is when the body’s immune defense system is missing a part or does not work correctly. This condition is caused by a genetic problem in the body’s defense system. There are over 150 different primary immune deficiency diseases. Some occur with great frequency (Selective IgA deficiency), while others are extremely rare (ADA deficiency). If a primary immune deficiency is not treated, it can cause serious illness and life-threatening infections. Today, thanks to enhanced technology, doctors can recognize the signs of primary immune deficiency even earlier, so people can live close to normal lives with treatment. Before, treatment options were limited, and life expectancy was shorter for some of these individuals. Secondary immune deficiency disease is when the body’s defense system is changed due to an external factor outside the body. Some examples include dialysis (a treatment that does s
