Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)

Conditions

About

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is an inherited immunodeficiency condition in which the body is unable to fight off serious and life-threatening infections. The body’s immune system is made up of different parts that work together to keep the body from getting sick. In a baby with SCID, certain parts of the immune system do not work properly. This puts the baby at risk of getting many infections. Babies who do not get treatment for SCID rarely live past age 2. However, babies with SCID who are treated before getting infections live longer and healthier lives. Early signs of SCID include high number of infections, infections that do not improve with antibiotic treatment for two or more months, diarrhea, poor weight gain or growth (failure to thrive), and thrush (a fungal infection) in the mouth or throat that does not go away.

Condition Type:

Core Conditions

Frequency:

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) occurs in 1 out of every 40,000-75,000 births.

More Information for Parents:
Also known as:
  • Severe combined immunodeficiency disorder
  • Bubble boy syndrome

Core Conditions

Secondary