D84.0: Lymphocyte function antigen-1 [LFA-1] defect

Your white blood cells are not working properly.

Blood is made up of a liquid part and different blood cells, among other things. The blood cells include the red blood cells, the white blood cells and the platelets. White blood cells are part of the body’s immune system. They fight pathogens.

When your white blood cells do not work properly, you will be unable to properly combat various pathogens. These pathogens include bacteria, in particular. From the first months of a baby's life, the pathogens can then repeatedly cause inflammations of the skin, oral cavity and respiratory tract. Deep wounds can develop at the affected sites. The wounds may not heal properly.

In the oral cavity, the periodontium can become inflamed. The tooth is anchored firmly in the jawbone by the periodontal ligament. This ligament includes, among other things, the outermost layer of the tooth root and the gums. The periodontal ligament also includes the hole in the jawbone in which the tooth is located. When the periodontium gets inflamed, the gums can turn red. If the inflammation persists over time, teeth may even fall out.

The disease is hereditary. Other family members may also be affected.