BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuSelective deficiency of IgAIgA deficiency; Immunodepressed - IgA deficiency; Immunosuppressed - IgA deficiency; Hypogammaglobulinemia - IgA deficiency; Agammaglobulinemia - IgA deficiencySelective deficiency of IgA is the most common immune deficiency disorder. People with this disorder have a low or absent level of a blood protein called immunoglobulin A.Immune deficiency disorderImmunodeficiency disorders occur when the body's immune response is reduced or absent.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Selective IgA deficiency is usually inherited, which means it is passed down through families. However, there are also cases of drug-induced selective IgA deficiency.It may be inherited as an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive trait. It is usually found in people of European origin. It is less common in people of other ethnicities.Autosomal dominantAutosomal dominant is one of many ways that a genetic trait or disorder can be passed down through families. In an autosomal dominant disease, if you...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Autosomal recessiveAutosomal recessive is one of several ways that a genetic trait, disorder, or disease can be passed down through families. An autosomal recessive dis...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms Many people with selective IgA deficiency have no symptoms.If a person does have symptoms, they may include frequent episodes of:Bronchitis (airway infection) BronchitisAcute bronchitis is swelling and inflamed tissue in the bronchi, the main passages that carry air to the lungs. This swelling narrows the airways, w...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chronic diarrhea Conjunctivitis (eye infection) ConjunctivitisThe conjunctiva is a clear layer of tissue lining the eyelids and covering the white of the eye. Conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva becomes ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Gastrointestinal inflammation, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease, and a sprue-like illness Ulcerative colitisUlcerative colitis is a condition in which the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum become inflamed. It is a form of inflammatory bowel ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Crohn diseaseCrohn disease is a disease where parts of the digestive tract become inflamed. It most often involves the lower end of the small intestine and the be...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sprue-like illnessCeliac disease is an autoimmune condition that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage comes from a reaction to eating gluten. This ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Mouth infection Otitis media (middle ear infection) Otitis mediaSuspected ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents take their children to their health care provider. The most common type of ear i...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pneumonia (lung infection) PneumoniaPneumonia is inflamed or swollen lung tissue due to infection with a germ. This article covers community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This type of pneu...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sinusitis (sinus infection) SinusitisSinusitis is present when the tissue lining the sinuses become swollen or inflamed. It occurs as the result of an inflammatory reaction or an infect...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Skin infections Upper respiratory tract infections Other symptoms include:Bronchiectasis (a disease in which the bronchial tubes in the lungs become damaged and enlarged) BronchiectasisBronchiectasis is a disease in which the large airways in the lungs are damaged. This causes the airways to become permanently wider. Bronchiectasis...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Asthma without a known causeAsthmaAsthma is a chronic disease that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and become narrow. It leads to breathing difficulty such as wheezing, shor...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests There may be a family history of IgA deficiency. Tests that may be done include: IgG subclass measurements Quantitative immunoglobulins Quantitative immunoglobulinsQuantitative nephelometry is a lab test to quickly and accurately measure levels of certain proteins called immunoglobulins in the blood. Immunoglob...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Serum immunoelectrophoresisSerum immunoelectrophoresisSerum immunoelectrophoresis is a lab test that measures proteins called immunoglobulins in the blood. Immunoglobulins are proteins that function as ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment No specific treatment is available. Some people gradually develop normal levels of IgA without treatment.Treatment involves taking steps to reduce the number and severity of infections. Antibiotics are often needed to treat bacterial infections.For people with more frequent or severe infections, immunoglobulins might be given through a vein or by injection to boost the immune system.Autoimmune disease treatment is based on the specific problem.Note: People with complete IgA deficiency may develop anti-IgA antibodies if given blood products and immunoglobulins. This may lead to allergies or life-threatening anaphylactic shock. However, they can safely be given IgA-depleted immunoglobulins.AllergiesAn allergy is an immune response or reaction to substances that are usually not harmful.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Anaphylactic shockAnaphylaxis is a life-threatening type of allergic reaction.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) Selective IgA deficiency tends to be less severe than many other immunodeficiency diseases.Many people with selective IgA deficiency have no symptoms at all. Some people with IgA deficiency will recover on their own and produce IgA in larger quantities over a period of years. Possible Complications Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and celiac disease may develop.Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Systemic lupus erythematosusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Celiac diseaseCeliac disease is an autoimmune condition that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage comes from a reaction to eating gluten. This ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article People with IgA deficiency may develop antibodies to IgA. As a result, they can have severe, even life-threatening reactions to transfusions of blood and blood products. When to Contact a Medical Professional People with IgA deficiency should contact their health care provider if they are having symptoms of an infection or intestinal symptoms. Prevention Genetic counseling may be of value to prospective parents with a family history of selective IgA deficiency.Open ReferencesReferencesCunningham-Rundles C. Primary immunodeficiency diseases. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 231.Hernandez-Trujillo VP, Ortega C. B-cell and antibody deficiencies. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 166.AllVideoImagesTogAntibodies - illustration Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. The immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies that destroy substances containing antigens. AntibodiesillustrationAntibodies - illustration Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. The immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies that destroy substances containing antigens. AntibodiesillustrationRelated Information Respiratory(Special Topic)Autoimmune disorders(Condition)Autosomal dominant(Special Topic)Rheumatoid arthritis(Condition)Systemic lupus erythematosus(Condition)Rheumatoid arthritis - InDepth(In-Depth)Systemic lupus erythematosus - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 3/31/2024 Reviewed By: Deborah Pedersen, MD, MS, Allergy & Asthma Care, PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. 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Selective deficiency of IgAIgA deficiency; Immunodepressed - IgA deficiency; Immunosuppressed - IgA deficiency; Hypogammaglobulinemia - IgA deficiency; Agammaglobulinemia - IgA deficiencySelective deficiency of IgA is the most common immune deficiency disorder. People with this disorder have a low or absent level of a blood protein called immunoglobulin A.Immune deficiency disorderImmunodeficiency disorders occur when the body's immune response is reduced or absent.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Selective IgA deficiency is usually inherited, which means it is passed down through families. However, there are also cases of drug-induced selective IgA deficiency.It may be inherited as an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive trait. It is usually found in people of European origin. It is less common in people of other ethnicities.Autosomal dominantAutosomal dominant is one of many ways that a genetic trait or disorder can be passed down through families. In an autosomal dominant disease, if you...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Autosomal recessiveAutosomal recessive is one of several ways that a genetic trait, disorder, or disease can be passed down through families. An autosomal recessive dis...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms Many people with selective IgA deficiency have no symptoms.If a person does have symptoms, they may include frequent episodes of:Bronchitis (airway infection) BronchitisAcute bronchitis is swelling and inflamed tissue in the bronchi, the main passages that carry air to the lungs. This swelling narrows the airways, w...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chronic diarrhea Conjunctivitis (eye infection) ConjunctivitisThe conjunctiva is a clear layer of tissue lining the eyelids and covering the white of the eye. Conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva becomes ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Gastrointestinal inflammation, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease, and a sprue-like illness Ulcerative colitisUlcerative colitis is a condition in which the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum become inflamed. It is a form of inflammatory bowel ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Crohn diseaseCrohn disease is a disease where parts of the digestive tract become inflamed. It most often involves the lower end of the small intestine and the be...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sprue-like illnessCeliac disease is an autoimmune condition that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage comes from a reaction to eating gluten. This ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Mouth infection Otitis media (middle ear infection) Otitis mediaSuspected ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents take their children to their health care provider. The most common type of ear i...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pneumonia (lung infection) PneumoniaPneumonia is inflamed or swollen lung tissue due to infection with a germ. This article covers community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This type of pneu...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sinusitis (sinus infection) SinusitisSinusitis is present when the tissue lining the sinuses become swollen or inflamed. It occurs as the result of an inflammatory reaction or an infect...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Skin infections Upper respiratory tract infections Other symptoms include:Bronchiectasis (a disease in which the bronchial tubes in the lungs become damaged and enlarged) BronchiectasisBronchiectasis is a disease in which the large airways in the lungs are damaged. This causes the airways to become permanently wider. Bronchiectasis...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Asthma without a known causeAsthmaAsthma is a chronic disease that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and become narrow. It leads to breathing difficulty such as wheezing, shor...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests There may be a family history of IgA deficiency. Tests that may be done include: IgG subclass measurements Quantitative immunoglobulins Quantitative immunoglobulinsQuantitative nephelometry is a lab test to quickly and accurately measure levels of certain proteins called immunoglobulins in the blood. Immunoglob...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Serum immunoelectrophoresisSerum immunoelectrophoresisSerum immunoelectrophoresis is a lab test that measures proteins called immunoglobulins in the blood. Immunoglobulins are proteins that function as ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment No specific treatment is available. Some people gradually develop normal levels of IgA without treatment.Treatment involves taking steps to reduce the number and severity of infections. Antibiotics are often needed to treat bacterial infections.For people with more frequent or severe infections, immunoglobulins might be given through a vein or by injection to boost the immune system.Autoimmune disease treatment is based on the specific problem.Note: People with complete IgA deficiency may develop anti-IgA antibodies if given blood products and immunoglobulins. This may lead to allergies or life-threatening anaphylactic shock. However, they can safely be given IgA-depleted immunoglobulins.AllergiesAn allergy is an immune response or reaction to substances that are usually not harmful.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Anaphylactic shockAnaphylaxis is a life-threatening type of allergic reaction.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) Selective IgA deficiency tends to be less severe than many other immunodeficiency diseases.Many people with selective IgA deficiency have no symptoms at all. Some people with IgA deficiency will recover on their own and produce IgA in larger quantities over a period of years. Possible Complications Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and celiac disease may develop.Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Systemic lupus erythematosusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Celiac diseaseCeliac disease is an autoimmune condition that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage comes from a reaction to eating gluten. This ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article People with IgA deficiency may develop antibodies to IgA. As a result, they can have severe, even life-threatening reactions to transfusions of blood and blood products. When to Contact a Medical Professional People with IgA deficiency should contact their health care provider if they are having symptoms of an infection or intestinal symptoms. Prevention Genetic counseling may be of value to prospective parents with a family history of selective IgA deficiency.Open ReferencesReferencesCunningham-Rundles C. Primary immunodeficiency diseases. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 231.Hernandez-Trujillo VP, Ortega C. B-cell and antibody deficiencies. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 166.
