Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders

Expert Primary Immunodeficiency diagnosis in Bhopal. Dr. Prateek Deo investigates recurrent infections and low antibody levels to identify CVID and other immune deficiencies.

What are Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders?

Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders (PIDs) are a heterogeneous group of over 430 distinct inborn errors of immunity, caused by genetic defects that impair the normal development and/or function of the immune system. Unlike secondary immunodeficiencies (caused by HIV, chemotherapy, malnutrition, etc.), PIDs arise from intrinsic defects in the immune system itself, making patients susceptible to recurrent, severe, or unusual infections, as well as immune dysregulation (autoimmune and inflammatory complications).

The most common adult PID is Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) — characterised by low IgG (and often IgA and IgM), impaired antibody responses to vaccines, and recurrent infections. CVID also carries risks of autoimmunity, granulomatous disease, and lymphoma, making it a complex multisystem disorder.

Recurrent respiratory infections

Recurrent pneumonias and bronchiectasis are classic complications of untreated antibody deficiency disorders.

The "Warning Signs" of Immunodeficiency

The Jeffrey Modell Foundation "10 Warning Signs of Primary Immunodeficiency" provide a practical clinical guide:

  1. Four or more new ear infections within 1 year.
  2. Two or more serious sinus infections within 1 year.
  3. Two or more months on antibiotics with little effect.
  4. Two or more pneumonias within 1 year.
  5. Failure of an infant to gain weight or grow normally.
  6. Recurrent, deep skin or organ abscesses.
  7. Persistent thrush (oral or skin fungal infection) after age 1.
  8. Need for intravenous antibiotics to clear infections.
  9. Two or more deep-seated infections including septicaemia.
  10. A family history of PID.

If you or your child meets two or more of these criteria, specialist immunological evaluation is strongly advised.

Immunoglobulin infusion therapy

Immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IVIG or SCIG) is the cornerstone treatment for antibody deficiency disorders like CVID, dramatically reducing infection rates.

⏱️ Average Diagnostic Delay: 9 Years

The average time from symptom onset to diagnosis of Common Variable Immunodeficiency is approximately 9 years. During this period, patients suffer recurrent infections, accumulate lung damage (bronchiectasis), and may develop autoimmune complications. Awareness and early specialist referral are critically important.

Dr. Prateek's Approach to Immunodeficiency

Dr. Prateek Deo's dual training in Rheumatology AND Immunology gives him a unique ability to investigate and manage both the infectious and immune dysregulation aspects of primary immunodeficiencies. He offers a complete immunological evaluation and coordinates with haematology and pulmonology for complex PID cases.

Comprehensive Immunological Workup

Serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE), vaccine antibody titres, lymphocyte subsets (T, B, NK cells), neutrophil function, and complement levels — a systematic evaluation covering all immune compartments.

IVIG Therapy

We prescribe and monitor intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) replacement therapy for antibody deficiencies — restoring immune protection and dramatically reducing infection frequency.

Prophylaxis Planning

Antibiotic prophylaxis, vaccination strategies (avoiding live vaccines in immunodeficient patients), and infection surveillance to prevent life-threatening complications.

Genetic Counselling

Many PIDs are hereditary. We arrange genetic testing and offer family screening and genetic counselling to identify affected relatives before they develop severe complications.