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Severe Combined Immunodisorder (SCID)

SCID (also known as “bubble boy disease”) is a group of genetic disorders in which there are severe abnormalities in the development and function of the immune system due to a lack of T lymphocytes. Babies with SCID appear healthy at birth, but without treatment they are prone to infections due to viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Without early treatment, these infants cannot survive. Live vaccines cannot be administered until a normal SCID result is obtained.  

Screening Method:

In-situ real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Treatment:

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant from the bone marrow of a healthy donor. 

Incidence:

1:50,000 – 100,000 births