The term "pI" is not used in immunology, the provided reference defines PI as Primary Immunodeficiencies.
Primary Immunodeficiencies (PI) are a group of over 400 genetic disorders that compromise the immune system's ability to defend against infections. Here's a breakdown:
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What are Primary Immunodeficiencies?
- PIs are genetic conditions, meaning they are inherited.
- They directly impact the immune system's effectiveness.
- These conditions affect about 1 in 1200 births in the United States.
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Impacts of PI
- Patients with PI are more susceptible to recurrent infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal.
- They are at higher risk of certain malignancies (cancers).
- PIs can lead to severe illness and even death.
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Key takeaways
- PI represents a range of genetic disorders affecting various parts of the immune system.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing PIs and improving patient outcomes.
| Term | Meaning | Context |
|---|---|---|
| PI | Primary Immunodeficiencies | A group of genetic disorders of the immune system. |
| pI | Isoelectric point | A chemistry term, unrelated to immunology |
It's important to note that "pI" with a lowercase 'p' is a chemistry term referring to the isoelectric point, which is the pH at which a molecule carries no net electrical charge and is not used in immunology.
