Selective deficiency of IgA

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Antibodies

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Selective deficiency of IgA

Selective deficiency of IgA is defined as low levels of -- or complete absence of -- immune globulin A, which causes decreased immune function in the mucosal surfaces in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines), and lungs.This deficiencyresults in increased risk for respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. It is associated with autoimmune diseases.

IgA deficiency may be inherited as either an autosomal dominant (requiring only one parent to pass down the defective gene) or recessive (requiring defective genes from both parents) trait.It is found in approximately 1 in 700 individuals of European origin. It is less common in people of other ethnicities.

Affected people often have chronic diarrhea caused by intestinal infections, and frequent respiratory infections. Many develop autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus.

Email this page  Printer friendly  Bookmark this page