OBJECTIVE: To present an up-to-date review about recurrent infections in children, addressing important aspects for pediatricians related to infections in healthy children and in children with primary immunodeficiencies. DATA SOURCE: Articles related to the subject were collected from Medline and Lilacs databases between 1980 and 2008, selecting articles of meta-analysis, review and clinical trials in humans, with well-structured methodology and discussion. National and international textbooks relevant to the subject were also included. DATA SYNTHESIS: Recurrent infections are frequent in pediatric clinics. Approximately 50% of these children are healthy and 10% may be immunodeficient. The healthy child presents normal growth and development and is well between infections. Most times, infections do not have prolonged or complicated evolution, and they occur due to exposure to infectious agents from the environment during the first years of life. Primary immunodeficiencies usually manifest as recurrent infections by specific microorganisms or by low virulence germs. Most of the times, these infections are prolonged, they present inadequate response to antibiotics and a high risk of complications. CONCLUSIONS: An early diagnosis of primary immunodeficiencies is essential so that therapeutic measures may be taken quickly, reducing risks of death and complications.
recurrent infections; immunity; primary immunodeficiencies
