A GP guide to common variable immunodeficiency

Diagnosis is often delayed by up to five years. Here’s how to identify the clues and track down the disorder
Dr Lucinda Berglund
Like Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey’s characters in True Detective, being alert to unusual signs will help detect this potential killer.

Common variable immunodeficiency refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders manifesting as recurrent infections with low serum immunoglobulins and poor specific antibody production.

It is the most common primary immunodeficiency diagnosis in adults, and can present at any age.