Centers for Disease Control - OD

Description

Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PID) are a group of primarily single-gene disorders of the immune system. Primary denotes the genetic nature of the defects, differentiating them from secondary or acquired immunodeficiencies caused by malnutrition, infection, chemotherapy, or other external agents. The defining characteristics of primary immunodeficiency diseases make them candidates for a public health intervention approach. Although the clinical manifestations and underlying genetic defects are diverse, primary immunodeficiency diseases share the common feature of increased susceptibility to infection and collectively result in substantial morbidity and shortened life spans. However prompt diagnosis and treatment can be lifesaving and may result in marked improvements in the quality and length of life. The heterogeneity of primary immunodeficiency diseases and the limited understanding of the relation between genotype and phenotype also hinder intervention efforts. Additional obstacles include the difficulty of diagnosis in the absence of a high index of suspicion and the lack of awareness of health care providers and the public which impedes the timely recognition of affected person by using a combination of clinical suspicion and diagnostic testing.

Who can apply

• State governments
• County governments
• City or township governments
• Special district governments
• Independent school districts
• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• Public housing authorities / Indian housing authorities
• Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized)
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
• Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
• Private institutions of higher education
• Unrestricted

Contact

Scott Bowen<br/>msb4@cdc.gov
msb4@cdc.gov