This study reveals that PIDs are not rare in children in Qatar; and like other studies predominantly antibody deficiencies are the most common. Strategies that reinforce awareness and education of practicing physicians, bone marrow transplantation, and establishing PID national registry should be adopted to reduce mortality and morbidity of PID patients in Qatar.

Background: The high consanguinity in Middle East increases the risk of genetic diseases, including primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDConclusions: This study indicates that family history is common in children with PID and helpful in reducing the delay age. Consanguinity among families of affected children is also high (higher than healthy population). Paternal parallel cousin marriages are the most common type of consanguinity. For a practicing physician, family history is a simple and useful tool when suspecting PID in children. Primary prevention of PID in Middle East communities should consider consanguinity reduction through public awareness and education and premarital counseling programs.