Upon diagnosis, what symptom of NADPH oxidase deficiency might be expected in a patient?

NADPH oxidase deficiency is associated with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), a condition that primarily affects the immune system's ability to combat certain types of infections. The deficiency leads to an impaired respiratory burst in neutrophils, which is crucial for producing reactive oxygen species that help kill bacteria and fungi during phagocytosis.

Patients with NADPH oxidase deficiency are particularly susceptible to infections from catalase-positive bacteria. These include organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus species, and others that can neutralize hydrogen peroxide, one of the reactive oxygen species typically used by immune cells to kill pathogens. In a healthy immune system, catalase-positive bacteria are managed effectively due to the production of reactive oxygen species. However, in individuals with NADPH oxidase deficiency, the lack of these critical oxidative agents means that the immune response is compromised specifically against these types of organisms, leading to recurrent infections.

The other options, while related to immune system function, do not specifically pertain to the hallmark issues associated with NADPH oxidase deficiency. For example, frequent viral infections and high rates of allergic reactions pertain more to other immunodeficiencies or dysregulations. Persistent hematologic abnormalities are not a direct consequence of