Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID) is a rare, serious disorder involving T and B lymphocytes, or T and B cells - the white blood cells that are responsible for fighting infections caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi. Babies with SCID are born with little or no immune system and are at risk for recurrent infections such as pneumonia, meningitis and chickenpox.
Without treatment even common infections can be life threatening. Years ago SCID was commonly known as the “Bubble Boy” disease but we know that girls can also be born with SCID. While SCID is a disorder of the immune system it is not related to HIV or AIDS. SCID is not a condition that can be spread from one person to another.
