Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Myeloperoxidase deficiency

A rare immune system condition in which certain white blood cells lack an enzyme; most people have no symptoms.

Understanding Myeloperoxidase deficiency

Myeloperoxidase deficiency is a rare immune system condition in which certain white blood cells have little or no myeloperoxidase activity.

Myeloperoxidase is an enzyme in white blood cells called neutrophils and monocytes. Most people with this condition have no symptoms. Occasionally, serious infections can happen, especially repeated yeast (candida) infections, which can be worse in people who also have diabetes. It can be found at any time in life.

Signs & symptoms

GARD lists these features as most common:

  • Low myeloperoxidase activity in white blood cells
  • Immune system differences
  • Blood test differences
  • Repeated candida (yeast) infections in some people

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include allergy and immune system specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in MPO are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Immune Deficiency Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Allergy and immune system specialists (allergists / immunologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Expert lists: Immune Deficiency Foundation
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Immune Deficiency Foundation
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Should we have genetic testing for the MPO gene?
How can we lower the chance of repeated yeast infections?
Does having diabetes change the care I need?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startany time in life
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesMPO

GARD lists changes in the MPO gene. A child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent (autosomal recessive).

Genetic

Also known as: mpo - myeloperoxidase deficiency; mpo deficiency; mpod; myeloperoxidase deficiency syndrome

Patient organizations

Broader rare-disease groups

Source: NIH GARD · Myeloperoxidase deficiencyGARD ID 3868 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Myeloperoxidase deficiency.

Explore the Myeloperoxidase deficiency blog

Explore research for Myeloperoxidase deficiency

Explore actively recruiting Myeloperoxidase deficiency studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Myeloperoxidase deficiency with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Myeloperoxidase deficiency studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

Get Signals for Myeloperoxidase deficiency

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor Myeloperoxidase deficiency

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Myeloperoxidase deficiency experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.