Print OverviewCommon variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is an immune system disorder that causes you to have low levels of the proteins that help fight infections. If you have CVID, you'll likely have repeated infections in your ears, sinuses and respiratory system. You'll also have an increased risk of digestive disorders, autoimmune disorders, blood disorders and cancer. CVID can be inherited, or you can develop it during your lifetime.Products & ServicesA Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th EditionNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic SymptomsThe severity of symptoms can vary greatly between people with CVID. Symptoms of common variable immunodeficiency may appear during childhood or adolescence, though many people don't experience them until adulthood. If you have CVID, you'll likely experience repeated infections before being diagnosed. The most common types of infections include pneumonia, sinusitis, ear infections and gastrointestinal infections. Request an appointment CausesIn the vast majority of CVID cases, the cause is unknown. In around 10% of people with CVID, a genetic mutation has been identified. Researchers believe that the condition is caused by a combination of both environmental and genetic factors. As of now, the environmental factors are unclear. By Mayo Clinic Staff Common variable immunodeficiency care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Doctors & departments Jan. 06, 2022 Print Show references Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/primary-immunodeficiency-disease/common-variable-immunodeficiency. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. Bennett JE, et al. Adaptive immunity: Antibodies and immunodeficiencies. In: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 27, 2020. Common variable immune deficiency. Genetics Home Reference. https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/common-variable-immune-deficiency#definition. Accessed Jan. 27, 2020. Brown AY. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Nov. 14, 2019. Goldman L, et al., eds. Primary immunodeficiency diseases. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 27, 2020. Related Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Common variable immunodeficiencySymptoms&causesDoctors&departmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20256721 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Common variable immunodeficiency