The Immune Deficiencies Foundation Australia (IDFA) is a not-for-profit registered charity who support and advocate for people suffering with Immune Deficiencies (IDs) throughout Australia. As the peak patient body we raise awareness about IDs in the medical and broader community and provide a range of information and resources for patients, their carers and families.
An Immune Deficiency is a disorder where the immune response (the body’s defence system) is reduced or absent. Primary Immune Deficiencies (PIDs) are caused by defects in the genes that control the immune system, so people with PID are born missing some or all of the parts of the immune system. Secondary Immune Deficiencies (SIDs) may be casued by treatment, transplantation, cancer or other diseases. IDs are not related to AIDS, which is caused by a viral infection (HIV). While not contagious, these diseases are caused by genetic defects and can affect anyone, regardless of age or sex. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises more than 200 immunodeficiency diseases.
There is no cure for the majority of IDs. IDs can be mild, severe and in some cases fatal. The main issue is increased susceptibility to infections affecting the sinuses, ears, lungs, bowel and skin. If not diagnosed early, these organs become permanently damaged. Even with treatment, the damage cannot be reversed. Many people with PID also have autoimmune conditions such arthritis, lupus and bowel disease.
PIDs include: Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID), Hypogammaglobulinaemia, Specific Antibody Deficiency (SAD), Hereditary Angioedema (HAE), Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD), X-Linked Agammaglobulinaemia (XLA), IgA deficiency, Hyper IgM Syndrome, Hyper IgE Syndrome, WHIM and Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID).
Treatments include Immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IVIg in hospital, SCIg at home), interferon gamma injections, antibiotics, steroids and in some PIDs, bone marrow transplant.
IDFA was formed in 2005 with support from the IDF/KIDS foundation of New Zealand, which was founded in 1987. IDFA is part of the Immune Deficiency Foundation Asia-Pacific Alliance and a member of IPOPI (International Patient Organisation for Primary Immunodeficiencies). IDFA has the support of leading Immunology health professionals both in Australia, New Zealand and Internationally.
For more information visit www.idfa.org.au
