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Right after they're born, babies are protected from infections by immunity transmitted to them by their mothers. Within the next few months, though, their immune systems develop and begin to assume responsibility for fighting off infections. But sometimes, babies have immune deficiencies and they don't have the ability to fight off routine infections on their own.
The symptoms of immune deficiency depend on what part of the immune system is affected and can range from mild to life-threatening. One example of a life-threatening immune deficiency is severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).
SCID, which is believed to be rare, can be successfully treated if it's identified early. Otherwise, it can be fatal within the first year of life.
SCID is actually a group of inherited disorders that cause severe abnormalities of the Another form is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA). Other cases of SCID are caused by a variety of other genetic defects. Diagnosing SCID Classic signs of SCID include an increased susceptibility to infection and Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD Date reviewed: October 2006
Another form is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA). Other cases of SCID are caused by a variety of other genetic defects.
Classic signs of SCID include an increased susceptibility to infection and Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD Date reviewed: October 2006