Common variable immunodeficiency

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is an inborn immune disorder characterized by recurrent infections and low antibody levels, specifically in immunoglobulin (Ig) types IgG, IgM, and IgA. Symptoms generally include high susceptibility to pathogens, chronic lung disease, as well as inflammation and infection of the gastrointestinal tract. CVID affects males and females equally. The condition can be found in children or teens, but is generally not diagnosed or recognized until adulthood. The average age of diagnosis is between 20 and 50. However, symptoms vary greatly between people. The term "variable" refers to the heterogeneous clinical manifestations of this disorder, which include recurrent bacterial infections and gastrointestinal disease, as well as increased risk for autoimmune disease and lymphoma. CVID is a lifelong disease.