CGD ASsociation of America
CGD ASsociation of America
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    • About Us
      • Who We Are
      • Partners and Sponsors
      • Mission & Accomplishments
      • Blog & E-Newsletter
    • Living with CGD
      • What is CGD?
      • Diagnosing CGD
      • Managing CGD
      • Treatments & Providers
      • X-linked CGD Carriers
      • For Clinicians
    • Getting Help & Support
      • CGDAA Zoom Calls
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  • Home
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    • Who We Are
    • Partners and Sponsors
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    • Blog & E-Newsletter
  • Living with CGD
    • What is CGD?
    • Diagnosing CGD
    • Managing CGD
    • Treatments & Providers
    • X-linked CGD Carriers
    • For Clinicians
  • Getting Help & Support
    • CGDAA Zoom Calls
    • Financial Assistance
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    • Carrier Connection
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What is Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD)?

Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD) is a rare, inherited genetic disorder that prevents the immune system from fighting specific types of bacteria or fungus infections. In CGD, white blood cells (phagocytes or neutrophils) are unable to make hydrogen peroxide to kill certain types of bacteria and fungi. Patients with CGD are highly prone to infections with these organisms in the lungs (pneumonias), lymph nodes, liver or bones. These infections can be life-threatening. CGD can also cause excessive inflammation and autoimmune problems, particularly inflammatory bowel disease.

Symptoms of Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD)

The immune system of a patient with CGD does not work properly, leaving the body prone to bacterial and fungal infections, such as staphylococcus aureus, serratia marcescens, burkholderia cepacia, nocardia species, and organisms from the aspergillus species. However, response to viral infections is normal in patients with CGD. CGD may involve any organ system or tissue of the body, but infections are usually found in the skin, lungs, liver, lymph nodes, gastrointestinal tract, bones, and occasionally the brain. Wounds may also have trouble healing and an inflammatory condition known as granuloma may develop. Pneumonia caused by a fungus such as aspergillus is a red flag for CGD. Infection b y normally non-pathogenic bacteria is also a red flag for CGD. A person with CGD will often show signs of an immunodeficiency at a very young age. Symptoms include, but are not limited to:

  • Granulomas (small areas of tissue inflammation), often located in the lung or gastrointestinal tract (which can cause chronic inflammatory bowel disease that closely resembles Crohn’s Disease or ulcerative colitis) 
  • Abscesses (collections of pus) in the lungs, liver, spleen, bones, or skin
  • Swollen lymph nodes or lymphadenitis
  • Continuous diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, or abdominal pain 
  • Prolonged or “yo-yo” fevers with no clear indication as to origin 
  • Frequent respiratory and skin infections as well as severe acne

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Learn More About CGD

Diagnosing Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD)Managing Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD)Treatments for Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD)Referring Patients With CDG To Specialists/PhysciansCARRIERS OF X-LINKED CGD

Other Trusted Sources for FAQ's About Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD)

National Institutes of Health        Living with CGD (IDF)        CGD Society

CGD Association of America

2005 Palmer Ave, #197, Larchmont, NY 10538

(917) 309-3489

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The contents of the CGD Association of America  site, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the CGDAA Site (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding CGD or any medical condition.