Inherited immune disorders
Chronic granulomatous disease
Chronic granulomatous disease is a genetic disorder in which certain immune cells cannot generate a normal antimicrobial oxidative response. It causes susceptibility to particular bacterial and fungal infections and can also cause harmful inflammation.
Other names and abbreviations
CGD · NADPH oxidase deficiency · primary immunodeficiency · PID · Chronic granulomatous disorder · Granulomatous disease, chronic
Where transplant fits
Allogeneic transplantation can correct the defective blood-derived immune cells. A matched relative or suitable unrelated donor can be used. The decision considers infections, inflammatory disease, organ health and available donors.
Treatment depends on the exact diagnosis, disease stage, prior treatment and the person’s health. These categories are not estimates of donor demand.
Treatment at a glance
- Who it affects
- CGD includes X-linked and recessive forms, affecting people of different sexes. It may be recognized in childhood or later.
- Other treatment options
- Antibacterial and antifungal prevention, prompt treatment of infections and inflammation management are central. Interferon-gamma is used in some care programs.
- Cells used for transplantation
- When transplantation is appropriate, the graft contains blood-forming stem cells from a suitable donor. Bone marrow, peripheral blood or cord blood may be selected according to the condition and transplant protocol.
Why the details matter
Severity varies between genetic forms and individuals. Transplantation does not guarantee reversal of organ damage already caused by infection or inflammation.
Questions to bring to your care team
What is the exact diagnosis or subtype? What is the goal of each treatment option? If transplant is being considered, why does it fit this situation, which cells would be used and what are the alternatives?
Sources and further reading
- Chronic Granulomatous Disease
GeneReviews, University of Washington / NCBI Bookshelf · Accessed 2026-09-05 - Guidelines for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for inborn errors of immunity
EBMT / ESID Inborn Errors Working Party · 2021
Understanding can become action.
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