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Icon of magnifying glass looking at DNA Icon of magnifying glass looking at DNA

What is CGD?

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare, inherited disease that doesn’t allow the immune system to work properly.  

A person living with CGD has a greater risk of frequent, serious,* and life-threatening infections because their immune system is not able to fight off certain harmful bacteria and fungi.

People with CGD may develop infections in the lungs, stomach, skin, bones, or other areas.

These infections can cause permanent damage to body parts, such as the lungs. People with CGD may also develop clusters made up of cells and other tissues (called granulomas) in the affected areas of the body.

*An infection is serious if you have to go to the hospital and/or get intravenous (IV) antibiotics.

Types of CGD

CGD is a genetic condition that happens when specific genes don’t work properly. These genes are inherited, or passed down, through generations of family members. How genes are passed down can determine the risk and type of CGD a person may inherit.

Select each type of CGD to learn more:

  • X-linked
  • Autosomal recessive
  • X-linked carrier

X-linked CGD is the most common type of CGD. It is inherited through a mutation on the X chromosome that is passed down on the mother’s side. Most cases of X-linked CGD affect males. They have a 50% chance of inheriting CGD from the mother if she is a carrier.

Illustration of X-linked CGD passed down from mother to child

Autosomal recessive CGD is passed down when both the mother and the father pass down one affected gene. Autosomal recessive CGD can affect both males and females.

Illustration of autosomal recessive CGD passed down from both parents to child

How likely is a child to have autosomal recessive CGD when both parents are carriers?

Illustration of 25 percent chance of being affected by CGD

25% chance of being affected

Illustration of 50 percent chance of being a carrier of CGD

50% chance of being a carrier

Illustration of 25 percent chance of not having CGD

25% chance of being unaffected

A woman with a copy of the mutated gene on one of her X chromosomes is called an  X-linked carrier.

Illustration showing gene mutation on the X chromosome

X-linked carriers have a 50% chance of passing down this nonfunctioning gene to their children. Often, mothers learn that they are carriers of CGD through their sons’ diagnosis. Women who are X-linked carriers of CGD may be at an increased risk of serious infections, but are more likely to experience noninfectious complications such as inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

Learn more about carrier symptoms.
  • X-linked

    X-linked CGD is the most common type of CGD. It is inherited through a mutation on the X chromosome that is passed down on the mother’s side. Most cases of X-linked CGD affect males. They have a 50% chance of inheriting CGD from the mother if she is a carrier.

    Illustration of X-linked CGD passed down from mother to child
  • Autosomal recessive

    Autosomal recessive CGD is passed down when both the mother and the father pass down one affected gene. Autosomal recessive CGD can affect both males and females.

    Illustration of autosomal recessive CGD passed down from both parents to child

    How likely is a child to have autosomal recessive CGD when both parents are carriers?

    Illustration of 25 percent chance of being affected by CGD

    25% chance of being affected

    Illustration of 50 percent chance of being a carrier of CGD

    50% chance of being a carrier

    Illustration of 25 percent chance of not having CGD

    25% chance of being unaffected

  • X-linked carrier

    A woman with a copy of the mutated gene on one of her X chromosomes is called an  X-linked carrier.

    Illustration showing gene mutation on the X chromosome

    X-linked carriers have a 50% chance of passing down this nonfunctioning gene to their children. Often, mothers learn that they are carriers of CGD through their sons’ diagnosis. Women who are X-linked carriers of CGD may be at an increased risk of serious infections, but are more likely to experience noninfectious complications such as inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

    Learn more about carrier symptoms.

Treating CGD

CGD can be managed by making health and lifestyle changes, by taking medicines, or in some cases through medical procedures. The types of medicines used for treating CGD are aimed at preventing serious*, life-threatening infections which may be treated in the hospital with intravenous antibiotics.

People with CGD may be prescribed a combination of medicines, including immunomodulatory therapy, antibiotics, and antifungals, to help prevent serious infections.

*An infection is serious if you have to go to the hospital and/or get intravenous (IV) antibiotics.