Primary Immune Deficiency (PID)

This is due to an immunological defect (usually genetic). With this, there's an increased risk of autoimmune disease, malignancies, and granulomatous diseases.

PID should be suspected if a patient gets infections that are:

• Recurrent, severe, persistent

• Resistant to treatment

• Caused by unusual organisms

Investigations to do include:

• Total lymphocyte and neutrophil count

• Serum Ig’s (IgG, IgA, IgM)

• Complemt levels - C3 and C4

N.B. It's important to investigate and treat early to avoid irreversible complications of a delayed diagnosis.