The number of patients with HIV is increasing in Kazakhstan.

According to global statistics, there should be approximately 2,000 individuals in Kazakhstan suspected of having primary immunodeficiency.

https://total.kz/ru/news/nauka/v_kazahstane_rastet_chislo_patsientov_s_pid_date_2024_12_22_13_22_052024-12-23 08:07:49

The main issue in Kazakhstan, according to the head of the Republican Allergy Center in Almaty, Arai Batyrbaeva, is the inadequate diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency, which often stems from a low level of awareness among healthcare professionals and parents regarding the symptoms of PID. On average, diagnosing PID takes between 5 to 7 years from the onset of the first symptoms. More than 70% of cases are diagnosed before the age of 20.

PID is a group of rare yet serious immune system disorders caused by genetic defects. These conditions hinder the body’s ability to effectively combat infections, significantly reducing the quality of life and, in some cases, posing a threat to the patient’s life. Symptoms of PID can manifest at an early age (40% of patients are diagnosed before the age of 18), although sometimes the diagnosis is made only in adulthood. The most common signs include: recurrent infections (pneumonia, sinusitis, otitis), wounds that do not heal for an extended period, slowed growth and development in children, chronic inflammatory diseases, and autoimmune disorders.

Early diagnosis of PID, as noted by the head of the Republican Allergy Center in Almaty, is crucial in preventing severe health consequences. Timely detection and treatment can reduce the number of infectious complications, prevent severe damage to internal organs, and improve the quality of life for the patient and their family.

“For children with symptoms of PID, the goal of treatment is to prevent infections; maintaining hand hygiene and limiting contact with other sick individuals is essential. Children with frequent or severe bacterial infections may sometimes be prescribed antibiotics for preventive purposes. In some cases, children with recurrent or severe infections that persist even with prophylactic antibiotic use may receive immunoglobulin replacement therapy,” Arai Batyrbaeva explained.