Chronic granulomatous disease

Overview

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited (genetic) immune system disorder that occurs when a type of white blood cell (phagocyte) that usually helps your body fight infections doesn't work properly. As a result, the phagocytes can't protect your body from bacterial and fungal infections.

People with chronic granulomatous disease often may develop pneumonia, lung infections, skin infections, lymph node infections, liver infections, gastrointestinal inflammation or other infections. They may develop clusters of white blood cells (masses) in infected areas (granulomas). Most people are diagnosed with CGD during childhood, but some people may not be diagnosed until adulthood.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for chronic granulomatous disease

• Expertise. Mayo Clinic doctors trained in immune system disorders have expertise in caring for people with chronic granulomatous disease and other primary immunodeficiency conditions. The Primary Immunodeficiency Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota is a designated Jeffrey Modell Foundation Diagnostic and Research Center.
• Diagnosis and treatment experience. Mayo Clinic doctors have experience diagnosing and treating people with chronic granulomatous disease. Doctors work closely with you to give the most appropriate treatment. Doctors trained in pediatric immunodeficiency disorders care for children with chronic granulomatous disease and other immune system disorders.
• Research. Mayo Clinic doctors conduct research in chronic granulomatous disease and other primary immunodeficiency conditions and conduct clinical trials.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

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Read more about diagnosis and treatment of primary immunodeficiency disorders.