By Dr. Shraddha Chandak – Pediatric Haemato-Oncologist & Immunologist

In rural India — especially in Marathwada — children often suffer from recurrent infections, poor weight gain, persistent fever, pneumonia, chronic diarrhea, and failure to thrive. These symptoms are commonly mistaken for low immunity, poor nutrition, or seasonal illness.

In reality, many of these children may be battling Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders (PID) — a group of genetic immune system conditions where the child is born without sufficient protective antibodies.

The critical challenge?
PID is widely undiagnosed, misunderstood, and often confused with routine childhood illness, especially in rural communities.

As a Pediatric Haemato-Oncologist & Immunologist in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), I see firsthand that awareness is the first vaccine against delayed diagnosis.

What is Primary Immunodeficiency (PID)?

A genetic condition present at birth
The immune system cannot fight infections effectively
Not caused by poor diet, hygiene, or lifestyle
Can affect any child regardless of gender or background
Often mistaken as “weak immunity” or “frequent fever”
Requires specialized diagnosis & immunological treatment

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Biggest Barriers to PID Diagnosis in Rural India

Challenge	Impact
Lack of awareness	Parents delay medical intervention
Limited immunology specialists	Rare disorder remains undiagnosed
Fear of medical costs	Treatment is postponed or stopped
Misdiagnosis	Child treated symptomatically, not scientifically
Cultural beliefs	Illness attributed to superstition or nutrition alone

The result? Years of suffering before a correct diagnosis is made.

Why Early PID Diagnosis is Life-Saving

If identified early, children can receive:

✅ Immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IVIG or SCIG)
✅ Targeted infection management
✅ Genetic counseling for families
✅ Bone marrow transplant (in some cases)
✅ Improved immunity, fewer infections, better childhood

One of the most successful interventions is monthly IVIG therapy, which provides the child with the antibodies their body cannot produce.

Role of a Pediatric Immunologist in PID Care

Unlike general pediatricians or physicians, a trained specialist:

Investigates immune function at a molecular level

Orders immune profiling, genetic and antibody testing
Plans long-term immune replacement or transplant protocols
Manages complex infections and treatment side-effects
Counsels families for lifelong disease management

This makes the role of a Pediatric Haemato-Oncologist & Immunologist absolutely essential in diagnosing and treating PID.

How Awareness Can Transform Outcomes in Rural Maharashtra

Through:

Community education programs
School health drives
Frontline worker training (ASHA/ANM teams)
Digital awareness campaigns
Early screening protocols

We can ensure that PID is detected in infancy or early childhood, not after years of irreversible damage.

A Message to Parents

If your child is:

Frequently ill
On repeated antibiotics
Admitted to hospital more than once a year for infections
Not gaining weight or catching up developmentally

Do not wait. Ask for an immune system evaluation.

A timely diagnosis can change your child’s entire future.

Consult PID & Immune Disorder Expert:

Dr. Shraddha Chandak
Pediatric Haemato-Oncologist & Immunologist

Kpond Children’s Superspeciality Hospital, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Maharashtra

+91 70583 80494