Primary immunodeficiency

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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

Many primary immunodeficiency disorders are inherited — passed down from one or both parents. Faulty DNA — the genetic code that acts as a blueprint for producing the cells that make up the human body — causes many of the immune system defects in primary immunodeficiency. The faulty genes cause the immune system to develop problems.

References
  1. Primary immunodeficiency. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/primary_immuno.cfm. Accessed May 31, 2009.
  2. Introduction: Immunodeficiency disorders. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec13/ch164/ch164a.html?qt=primary immunodeficiency&alt=sh. Accessed May 31, 2009.
  3. 10 warning signs of primary immunodeficiency. Primary Immunodeficiency Resource Center of The Jeffrey Modell Foundation. Accessed May 31, 2009.
  4. Primary immunodeficiency diseases. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/topicofthemonth/0407/. Accessed May 31, 2009.
  5. Specific medical therapy. In: Blaese R, et al. IDF Patient and Family Handbook for Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases. 4th ed. Towson, Md.: Immune Deficiency Foundation; 2007. Accessed June 3, 2009.

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July 30, 2009

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