Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
08:44
Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis
Published on: September 7, 2022
Infectious pathogens in pediatric patients with primary immunodeficiencies
Shu-Hua Chang1, Yao-Hsu Yang, Bor-Luen Chiang
1Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Summary
Unusual infections like pneumonia are common in children with primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs). Early recognition of PIDs and rapid molecular diagnosis are crucial for timely intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) are rare and often present with unusual infections.
- Identifying characteristic infection patterns is key for early PID investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify organisms causing predisposition to PIDs in children.
- To analyze infection patterns in pediatric PID patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 92 children diagnosed with PIDs.
- Data collected from National Taiwan University Hospital (1984-2004).
Main Results:
- Pneumonia was the most frequent diagnosis across antibody, combined, and cellular deficiencies (76.5%-92%).
- Skin abscesses, pneumonia, and lymphadenitis were common in phagocyte defects.
- Organisms were identified in less than half of infection episodes; viral diagnosis was slow.
Conclusions:
- Early PID recognition depends on awareness of infection characteristics.
- Reliable and rapid molecular diagnostic methods are essential for immunocompromised patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Immunodeficiency Diseases
Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:20Infection
When a pathogen enters the body and reproduces, it can cause an infection, damage body cells, and cause illness symptoms that eventually lead to disease. Therefore, its prevention requires breaking the chain of infection.
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
01:36Humoral Immune Responses
Overview
01:28Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence
Infectious diseases appear in populations through various transmission patterns, influenced by pathogen characteristics, population immunity, environmental conditions, and social behavior. Understanding these patterns is essential for effective public health surveillance and intervention. These categories—sporadic, outbreak, epidemic, pandemic, and endemic—help frame the nature and scope of disease events.Sporadic diseases occur irregularly and infrequently, without a predictable temporal or...