Osmosis video - Chronic granulomatous disease

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a genetic condition, in which neutrophils and macrophages cannot create superoxide radicals to kill engulfed germs. There is a mutation in NADPH oxidase genes. People with CGD have problems fighting infections because they don't have enough neutrophils to fight bacteria and other germs.

People with CGD often get recurrent and severe infections, especially in their lungs, ears, and sinuses. They may also develop skin abscesses or sores that don't heal properly. People with CGD struggle to fight off infections caused by catalase-positive bacteria, such as S. aureus, Serratia, Klebsiella, Aspergillus, and Burkholderia.