Immunodeficiency is the failure of the immune system to properly protect the human body from infection.

Immunodeficiency is different from autoimmune disease which is an overactive immune system that attacks healthy cells.

There are two types of immunodeficiency – primary and secondary. Primary immunodeficiency disorders are caused by gene mutation, and are classified based on the part of the system affected. Secondary immunodeficiency disorders are acquired (secondary) due to extrensic factors that affect the patient’s immune system.

Immunodeficiency disorders can result from any serious long-term health condition, including diabetes, viral hepatitis, cancers of the immune system.

Treating immunodeficiency is often achieved with immunosuppressants, drugs used to prevent the body from attacking its own tissue.