Scid (Noun)
Meaning
A congenital disease affecting T cells that can result from a mutation in any one of several different genes; children with it are susceptible to infectious disease; if untreated it is lethal within the first year or two of life.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- Children with SCID are extremely vulnerable to even mild infections due to their weakened immune systems.
- If left untreated, SCID can be fatal within the first year or two of life due to severe and recurring infections.
- Researchers are working on identifying the various genetic mutations that can cause SCID, as these can vary greatly from person to person.
- Since SCID is caused by a nonfunctional or severely impaired T cell system, children with the condition face incredible challenges in fighting off diseases.
- Newborn screening for SCID allows for early diagnosis and treatment, significantly increasing the chances of survival for affected children.