A primary immunodeficiency disease is an acquired condition resulting from an infection or a side effect of a drug treatment.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It varies by organism
• D. Only occurs in lab animals

Answer: (B)

Primary immunodeficiencies are congenital, inherited defects of the immune system that are present from birth. They are not caused by infections or drug treatments. In contrast, infections or certain drugs can cause an acquired or secondary immunodeficiency, which develops after exposure rather than being due to a genetic defect. Because the statement describes an immunodeficiency as acquired from infection or drugs, it is not correct. Primary immunodeficiencies include conditions like SCID or X-linked agammaglobulinemia, while acquired immunodeficiencies arise from things such as HIV infection or immunosuppressive medications. The other options (that it’s true, that it varies by organism, or that it only occurs in lab animals) don’t fit the concept that the primary form is congenital and not acquired.