Immunoglobulin A (IgA) - Serum

Overview:

Immunoglobulin A is the antibody class that defends mucosal surfaces, including the lining of the gut, the airways and the urinary tract, and it is present in saliva, tears and breast milk. Low levels occur in selective IgA deficiency, the most common inherited immune deficiency, which often causes no symptoms but is associated with more frequent respiratory and gut infections in some people. It matters particularly for celiac testing, since the standard celiac antibody tests are IgA-based and will read falsely negative in someone who is IgA deficient. Raised IgA can occur with liver disease and chronic infection.

Categories:

Immune

Biomarkers:

1 biomarker