IMMUNOGLOBULIN G - IgG

Description

  • 7-16 g/l

Clinical significance

  • Immunoglobulins are formed by plasma cells as a humoral immune response to contact of the immune system with antigens. 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
  • About 70 -80 % of the immunoglobulins in the blood is IgG. Specific IgG antibodies are produced during an initial infection or other antigen exposure, rising a few weeks after it begins, then decreasing and stabilizing.
  • The body retains a catalogue of IgG antibodies that can be rapidly reproduced whenever exposed to the same antigen. IgG antibodies form the basis of long term protection against microorganisms. In those with a normal immune system, sufficient IgG is produced to prevent re-infection. Vaccinations use this process to prevent initial infections and add to the catalogue of IgG antibodies , by exposing a person to a weakened live micro organism or to an antigen that stimulates recognition of the microorganism
  • IgG is the only immunoglobulin that can cross placenta. Mother’s IgG antibodies provide protection to the foetus during pregnancy and to the baby during first few months of life
  • Local immune reactions result in elevated immunoglobulin levels particularly IgG, in the cerebrospinal fluid. Elevated urinary concentrations of IgG are found in patients with non selective glomerular proteinuria

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 infection
  • Hyperimmunization
  • IgG multiple myeloma
  • Liver disease
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Rheumatic fever

Decreased level

  • Agammaglobulinemia (Very rare)
  • Amyloidosis
  • Leukemia
  • Preeclampsia

Profile

Autoimmune disorders

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