IgA deficiency: what is it?

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IgA deficiency, often called selective immunoglobulin A deficiency, is a type of immune disease. Generally, this genetic condition is fairly mild, affecting about one in 400 to 2,000 people. This condition occurs more often in those of European ancestry and occurs much less often in those of African and Asian ancestry. Of all the diseases classified as primary immunodeficiencies, this immune disorder is the most common. A person who has been diagnosed with the disease has a complete lack of IgA (an antibody) or a markedly low level of it.

IgA deficiency is often a genetic disorder, although there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, there are some people who seem to develop deficiency in response to certain types of medications. The condition has been found in people with Wilson’s disease treated with penicillamine. It has also been seen in those taking Dilantin (phenytoin/hydantoin) to treat seizures. Fortunately, drug-induced IgA is not permanent. Your symptoms end once these drugs are stopped.

Many people with IgA deficiency are asymptomatic. For others, however, the disease rears its ugly head in the form of a wide range of recurring illnesses, ranging from ear infections and pneumonia to eye infections and gastrointestinal distress. Throat infections are also common, and thrush is a frequent culprit. Unfortunately, these infections tend to take longer to resolve in those with IgA deficiency, even when treated with highly effective antibiotics.

Allergies are also problems for those who suffer from this condition. They are often severe and difficult to treat. A person with this disease can struggle with both respiratory and food allergies, and severe asthma is a common problem. When a person with IgA deficiency has asthma, typical medical therapies may not work as well. Those with food allergies often have recurring diarrhea and stomach cramps as symptoms.

IgA deficiency is typically present at birth, although some cases aren’t discovered until much later in life. Usually, the disease is diagnosed when doctors do tests to find the cause of recurring infections and chronic illnesses. To determine if a person has an IgA deficiency, doctors use blood tests to detect Ig and IgG2. If a person has this condition, they will have low amounts of IgA antibodies but normal amounts of other antibodies, including IgM and IgG. Sometimes, doctors will also vaccinate a patient and then test how well the body makes antibodies against particular bacteria.

Currently, there is no treatment or cure for IgA deficiency. Instead, doctors work to treat the repetitive illnesses typical of this condition. Antibiotics are often used and patients can help themselves by eating well and getting plenty of rest. It’s also a good idea to avoid contact with people with contagious illnesses, including colds, whenever possible.

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