Does IgA deficiency predispose to respiratory infections?

Respiratory infections and autoimmune disease are more common in IgA-deficient patients. A few patients with IgA deficiency presenting in childhood may recover spontaneously; other patients may develop CVID.

Why are IgA so important in the defense against respiratory system infections?

Altogether, our results suggest that IgA may play a role in protection against mycobacterial infections in the respiratory tract by blocking the pathogen entrance and/or by modulating the pro-inflammatory responses.

What does IgA deficiency cause?

Some people with an IgA deficiency are more likely to get frequent infections. These can include sinus, lung, and digestive infections. Some people with IgA deficiency also are more likely to have allergies, and digestive and autoimmune problems such as celiac disease or lupus.

What is the function of IgA?

IgA accounts for more than two-thirds of the body’s total immunoglobulin production. IgA serves as an important first-line barrier limiting the access of intestinal antigens to the gut mucosa, controls the intestinal microbiota and dampens pro-inflammatory immune responses.

Which condition is an autoimmune disease involving immunoglobulin G?

Individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis are characterized by the presence of high levels of circulating IgM and IgG autoantibodies. Although IgG autoantibodies often are pathogenic, the role of IgM autoantibodies in autoimmune disease is not clear.

Which immunoglobulin protects against respiratory?

Furthermore, studies clearly show that protection from infection of the upper respiratory tract is primarily due to local immunity, particularly immunoglobulin A (IgA) in mucosal secretions (3, 4, 28, 29).

Is IgA in the lungs?

To protect the lungs against pathogens invading the mucosa, immunoglobulin (Ig)A is present in the mucous secretions of the lungs 2. Human IgA can be found in various mucous secretions and produced locally by plasma cells.

What kind of infection does IgA indicate?

Recurrent ear infections, sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia are the most common infections seen in patients with Selective IgA Deficiency. Some patients also have gastrointestinal infections and chronic diarrhea. The occurrence of these kinds of infections is easy to understand since IgA protects mucosal surfaces.

What does it mean if your IgA is high?

High values Levels of IgA also get higher in some autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and in liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and long-term (chronic) hepatitis. IgG. High levels of IgG may mean a long-term (chronic) infection, such as HIV, is present.

What is considered a low IgA level?

Selective IgA deficiency is an IgA level < 7 mg/dL (< 70 mg/L, < 0.4375 micromol/liter) with normal IgG and IgM levels. It is the most common primary immunodeficiency. Many patients are asymptomatic, but some develop recurrent infections and autoimmune disorders.

What kind of infections can IgA deficiency cause?

About 1 in 4 to 1 in 2people with selective IgA deficiency will be affected. Some people with an IgA deficiency are more likely to get frequent infections. These can include sinus, lung, and digestive infections.

How many people in the world have selective IgA deficiency?

Selective IgA Deficiency is one of the most common primary immunodeficiency diseases. Studies have indicated that as many as one in every 500 Caucasian people has Selective IgA Deficiency.

What does it mean to have low IgA levels?

Having an IgA deficiency means that you have low levels of or no IgA in your blood. IgA is found in mucous membranes, mainly in the respiratory and digestive tracts. It is also found saliva, tears, and breastmilk. A deficiency seems to play a part in asthma and allergies.

When to use immunoglobulin replacement therapy for IgA deficiency?

If a patient has many infections, poor vaccine antibody responses and fails other preventive treatment (for example, antibiotic prophylaxis) a trial of immunoglobulin replacement therapy may be considered. (See chapter titled “ Immunoglobulin Therapy and Other Medical Therapies for Antibody Deficiencies .”)

About 1 in 4 to 1 in 2people with selective IgA deficiency will be affected. Some people with an IgA deficiency are more likely to get frequent infections. These can include sinus, lung, and digestive infections.

Is the igad1 deficiency a rare disease?

Not a rare disease. Other Names: IGAD1; Immunoglobulin A, selective deficiency of; IgA, selective deficiency of; IGAD1; Immunoglobulin A, selective deficiency of; IgA, selective deficiency of; Gamma-A-globulin, selective deficiency of; Immunoglobulin A deficiency 1 See More.

Selective IgA Deficiency is one of the most common primary immunodeficiency diseases. Studies have indicated that as many as one in every 500 Caucasian people has Selective IgA Deficiency.

Is there a cure for the IgA deficiency?

There is no cure for IgA deficiency. Immunotherapy does not work to treat it. But you can take steps to lower your risk for illness or infection. These include taking antibiotics when you get sick. If infections are ongoing (chronic), you may need to take antibiotics every day.