Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a hereditary disorder that prevents immune cells called phagocytes from working properly. Due to their immune systems' inability to fight bacteria, fungi, and other causes of disease, CGD patients are more susceptible to chronic and severe infections.
CGD is hereditary and there is no cure; care is based on treating and preventing secondary infections. Antibiotics (sulfamethoxazole/trimetoprim), antifungals (itraconazole, voriconazole), and interferon gamma (Actimmune) can help prevent infections by killing bacteria and fungal spores and by strengthening the immune system.