Infectious Disease

Hearing that your child may have an immunodeficiency disorder can be a scary thing. The Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease at Floating Hospital for Children is dedicated to not only providing you with the answers to the questions that you undoubtedly have, we’re also committed to developing the best, long-term treatment plan for your child.

Acquired immune deficiencies

Acquired immune deficiency disorders can develop after an infection or exposure to something in the environment that alters your immune system. The most commonly known Acquired Immune Deficiency is AIDS, which is an infectious disorder that suppresses the immune system.

Primary immunodeficiency disorders

Children who have been diagnosed with Primary Immune Deficiency Disorder (PIDD) have the disorder at birth, although the symptoms may not begin to develop until later on in life.  They are born without some of the body’s key immune defense systems, which can leave them more susceptible to infection.

Treatment options for PIDD include gamma globulin (IgG) replacement therapy, which provides children with additional antibodies to fight off infections. Children with PIDD often take antibiotics and other medications throughout their lives to help prevent and fight infections. In very serious cases, our doctors may recommend stem cell transplantation to build a health immune system.

Support from a world-class team

After an immunodeficiency disorder diagnosis, you may start to worry about the infectious your child may contract and how they will affect his or her health. Your child does not need to fight these infections off alone. The expert team at Floating Hospital for Children led by Chief of Pediatric Infectious Disease, H. Cody Meissner, MD will be there with you every step of the way. We will work with you to help your child fight and prevention infection so that he or she can live a long and healthy life.

To make an appointment, please call 617-636-8100.