Immunodeficiency (or
immune deficiency) is a state in which the
immune system's ability to fight
infectious disease is compromised or entirely absent. Immunodeficiency may also decrease
cancer immunosurveillance. Most cases of immunodeficiency are acquired ("secondary") but some people are born with defects in their immune system, or
primary immunodeficiency. Transplant patients take medications to suppress their immune system as an anti-rejection measure, as do some patients suffering from an over-active immune system. A person who has an immunodeficiency of any kind is said to be
immunocompromised. An immunocompromised person may be particularly vulnerable to
opportunistic infections, in addition to normal infections that could affect everyone.