Primary immunodeficiency in Africa - a review

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Genetics

Background:

• Global efforts to enhance primary immunodeficiency (PID) awareness and treatment are underway.
• Progress in PID management is slower in Africa compared to other regions.
• This review focuses on the status of PID within the African continent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the current status of PID in Africa.
• To detail PID prevalence, distribution, and genetic mutations.
• To identify challenges in diagnosing and treating PID patients in Africa.

Main Methods:

• Systematic evaluation of studies on PID from the African continent.
• Inclusion of studies on prevalence, epidemiology, case reports, and genetic findings.
• Analysis of existing literature to assess the PID landscape in Africa.

Main Results:

• An estimated 902,631 individuals are affected by PID in Africa.
• PID remains largely underdiagnosed across the continent.
• Significant challenges persist in PID awareness, diagnosis, registration, and patient care.

Conclusions:

• Unique genetic mutations in African PID patients necessitate tailored approaches.
• Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and gene therapy show feasibility.
• Enhanced awareness and consideration of new therapeutic options are recommended.