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Health library/Adenosine deaminase deficiency

Rare immune disorders / RARE CONDITION

Adenosine deaminase deficiency

Also known as: ADA deficiency, ADA-Related Immune Deficiency, Adenosine Deaminase 1 Deficiency, ADA-SCID, ADA1 Deficiency, Adenosine deaminase deficient severe combined immunodeficiency, SCID due to ADA deficiency

Adenosine deaminase deficiency disrupts development of immune cells and can cause severe combined immunodeficiency. Serious infections may begin early in infancy.

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What you may notice

Symptoms can overlap with other conditions and vary between people.

  • Repeated serious infections
  • Persistent diarrhea
  • Poor growth
  • Widespread skin rash

Understanding care

Clinical care may include urgent immunology assessment and specialist-directed immune restoration or supportive care. A qualified clinician decides which investigations and options fit the individual situation.

When to seek help

Contact the treating team promptly for fever or suspected infection in known immune deficiency. Severe breathing difficulty, confusion, collapse or rapidly worsening illness requires emergency care.

For severe breathing difficulty, collapse, suspected stroke, or another emergency, call local emergency services immediately. In India, call 112.

Read the medical sources

These sources support the educational article and offer more detail.

Educational reading · Updated 6 October 2026

Prepared from the linked sources. This summary has not had an independent clinician review. A qualified clinician can assess symptoms and explain which information applies to you.

A child and a caring grown-up reading a picture book together

LITTLE PEOPLE. BIG FEELINGS.

It’s okay to have
a lot of questions.

A doctor visit or an unfamiliar health word can feel scary. You can ask a trusted grown-up to help you understand, one small question at a time.

01

Say how you feel.

“I feel worried” is a good place to start.

02

Ask for simple words.

“Can you explain that in a way I understand?”

03

Bring someone you trust.

A caring adult can help you ask and listen.

For children and their grown-ups. This illustration explains a conversation, not a diagnosis. An adult should seek qualified care for a child who is unwell.

Adenosine deaminase deficiency — First AID health library