NIH Radio
Scientists Identify Genetic Cause of Previously Undefined Primary Immune Deficiency Disease – 2
Narrator: This is NIH Health Matters. Immunodeficiency disorders occur when the body's immune response is reduced or absent. One inherited immunodeficiency, called combined immunodeficiency, is characterized by a range of severe health problems, including persistent bacterial and viral skin infections, acute allergies and asthma, and cancer. Researchers recently identified a genetic mutation that accounts for this perplexing condition. Dr. Helen Su at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, says DNA tests in a specific patient helped make the discovery clear:
Dr. Su: It was like there was a big arrow saying, “This is the gene you need to look at.”
Narrator: Scientists analyzed large amounts of DNA to make the discovery. For more information, visit www.niaid.nih.gov. Health Matters is produced by the National Institutes of Health, part of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Contact Us
Send questions or comments to:
Joe Balintfy
NIH News Media Branch
NIHRadio@mail.nih.gov
301-435-7557
About NIH Radio
NIH Radio offers free audio news programs from the National Institutes of Health, your reliable source for health information.
All NIH Radio content is in the public domain and can be used without charge or restriction provided that it is not used to misrepresent our agency nor used to suggest we endorse any private organization, product, or service.
NIH Radio is a service of the Office of Communications & Public Liaison.
Social Media Links