Immunology

Chronic Granulomatous Disease is the most commonly encountered immunodeficiency involving the phagocyte,and is characterized by repeated infections with bacterial and fungal pathogens, as well as the formation ofgranulomas in tissue. The disease is the result of a disorder of the NADPH oxidase system, culminating in aninability of the phagocyte to generate superoxide, leading to the defective killing of pathogenic organisms. Thiscan lead to infections withStaphylococcus aureus,Psedomonasspecies,Nocardiaspecies, and fungi (such asAspergillusspecies andCandida albicans). Involvement of vital or large organs can contribute to morbidity and/or

mortality in the affected patients.