Traunstein, Germany  - Doctors in Germany have founded an initiative aimed at raising awareness among health professionals about immune system defects in children. The doctors hope greater awareness will lead to cases being detected earlier.

Immunologists founded the "Find ID" network so that more affected children can receive therapies faster. The project will also help doctors avoid making false diagnoses, according to a charitable association in Germany that provides support for families with children who have weakened immune systems.

The Traunstein-based Deutsche Selbsthilfe Angeborene Immundefekte association says the initiative will train paediatricians, ENT doctors and general practitioners to identify suspected cases and transfer them to specialist care.

Possible signs of a congenital immune system defect are the occurrence of more than two incidences of a lung infection, more than two severe cases of sinus infection or more than eight incidents of ear infection in a child in one year.

In babies, other indicators include unexplained red discoloration of the hands and feet. Slow growth and low body weight are also signs that a child is experiencing immune system problems. (dpa)