Hereditary Immunodeficiency Test
If you suspect a hereditary immunodeficiency disorder, taking the test is a crucial step in understanding your immune system's health. This simple and convenient bloom cheek swab test can be performed at home, providing valuable insights into potential genetic factors that may contribute to immunodeficiency.
Primary Immunodeficiency
Primary immunodeficiency refers to a diverse group of hereditary or genetic disorders that disrupt the normal functioning of immune system cells, rendering individuals unable to effectively combat infections.
Understanding Immunodeficiency & Autoimmune Diseases
Your immune system plays a critical role in safeguarding your body against various threats, such as viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells. When these harmful entities invade a healthy body, the immune system reacts by producing antibodies and specialized blood cells (lymphocytes) to eliminate the infection.
However, in cases where the immune system fails to respond adequately to infection, this condition is termed immunodeficiency, leading to immunocompromisation. Conversely, an overactive immune system that targets healthy cells as if they were foreign bodies is known as an autoimmune response. Both scenarios can give rise to potentially life-threatening conditions.
Watch This Short Video About the Immunodeficiency Test
What is an Immunodeficiency Disorder?
Immunodeficiency disorders impair the body's ability to fight infections and diseases, making individuals more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. These disorders can be congenital (primary), meaning they are present from birth, or acquired (secondary), occurring later in life. Acquired disorders are more common than congenital ones.
Individuals with immunodeficiency diseases experience more frequent illnesses. Infections may last longer, be more severe, and harder to treat. Often, these disorders have a genetic basis.
Causes and Risk Factors
Primary immunodeficiency disorders primarily result from inherited gene mutations. Those with a family history of primary immunodeficiency disorders face an increased risk of developing these disorders themselves.
Key Points
- Immunodeficiency disorders compromise the body's defense against bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
- There are two main types of immunodeficiency disorders: primary (congenital) and secondary (acquired).
- Anything that weakens the immune system can lead to secondary immunodeficiency disorders.
Primary Immunodeficiency Disease Symptoms & Signs
Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDD) form a rare group of disorders that weaken the immune system, making those affected more prone to chronic infections and, in certain cases, increasing the risk of cancer. Hundreds of types of PIDD exist.
Signs and symptoms of these conditions vary based on the specific disorder, but may include:
- Frequent and recurrent pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Sinus infections
- Ear infections
- Meningitis
- Skin infections
- Inflammation and infection of internal organs
How to Take the Test
Watch the short video provided to learn how to perform the bloom cheek swab test in the comfort of your own home.