CGD patients who are treated preventively with antibiotics experience an average of one serious infection every 3 to 4 years. Susceptibility to major infections varies quite a bit between patients; some CGD patients go as long as 5 years without any major infections, whereas others experience more frequent infections. A person whose CGD gene defect is on the X chromosome will tend to experience more infections than one whose faulty gene resides on other chromosomes.
Many patients also experience frequent minor infections. About half of all CGD patients have chronic inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), and three-quarters have frequent canker sores. Although these infections are not life-threatening, they can be annoying and uncomfortable.
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
National Institute of Health
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Division of Intramural Research
Prepared by the NIAID
Office of Communications