We can do more to identify patients with primary immunodeficiences

Abstract

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) remain largely undiagnosed and underreported in South Africa.1 PIDs are inherited, non-communicable disorders that involve a defect in one or more components of the immune system. Immunodeficiencies comprise more than 250 heterogenous disorders that cause either an absent, defective or weakened function of the immune system.2 These disorders are mostly associated with recurrent infections that can present very early in childhood, but depending on the defect, also in later childhood and even in adulthood.