title: Recurrent infection in the child.
abstract: In the child with recurrent infection, early recognition of defects in host defenses is critical for appropriate treatment and for patient survival and well-being. Familiarity on the physician's part with the clinical clues of an anatomic or functional defect can save time, money, and patient discomfort. When no such defect is apparent, the problem may be in the child's immunologic system and more specific testing is necessary to identify whether the defect is in cell-mediated immunity or is in the functioning of the phagocytic, complement, or humoral system. Treatments for these problems are available, but their success depends on early diagnosis before recurrent infection and malnutrition result in irreversible tissue damage.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000172:deficiency; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007153:Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007223:Infant; D007239:Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D008581:Meningitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000175:diagnosis; D010585:Phagocyte Bactericidal Dysfunction / Q000175:diagnosis; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000175:diagnosis; D012008:Recurrence; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D012306:Risk; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D012874:Skin Diseases, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D003165:Complement System Proteins