IMMUNOGLOBULIN A - IgA
Description
0.7-4.0 g/l
Clinical significance
- There are five classes of immunoglobulins viz. IgM, IgG , IgA, IgD, IgE . The primary reaction after the initial contact is the formation of antibodies of the IgM class followed later by IgG and also IgA.
- A test for Immunoglobulins is used to detect an excess or deficiency in the three major classes of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM)
- IgA comprises about 15% of the total immunoglobulins in the blood but is also found in saliva, tears, respiratory and gastric secretions and breast milk. IgA provides protection against infection in mucosal areas of the body such as the respiratory tract and the gastrointestinal tract. When passed from mother to baby during breast feeding, it helps protect the infants gastrointestinal tract
- Significant amount of IgA are not produced by a child until after 6months of age. Hence any IgA present in a child’s blood before then is from the mother’s milk.a
When to get tested
- When a person has symptoms of immunoglobulin deficiency such as recurrent infections, especially of the respiratory tract or digestive system and/or chronic diarrhoea
- When a person has signs of chronic inflammation or chronic infection
Elevated level
- Chronic infections, especially involving the gastro intestinal tract
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Rheumatic fever
Decreased level
- Agammaglobulinemia (Very rare)
- Protein- losing gastroenteropathy
- Hereditary IgA deficiency ( 1 out of 700 people)
Profile
Autoimmune disorders
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