IgA deficiency, often called selective immunoglobulin A deficiency, is a type of immune disease. Generally, this genetic condition is fairly mild and affects about one in every 400 to 2,000 people. This condition occurs most often in those of European descent, and it occurs far less often in those of African and Asian decent. Of all the diseases classified as primary immunodeficiencies, this immune disorder is the most common. A person 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, though there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, there are some people who seem to develop the deficiency in response to certain types of medication. The condition has been found in people with Wilson's disease who are treated with penicillamine. It has also been found in those taking Dilantin (phenytoin/hydantoin) to treat seizures. Fortunately, drug-induced IgA is not permanent. Its symptoms end once these drugs are discontinued.
Many people with IgA deficiency are symptom-free. For others, however, the disease rears its ugly head in the form of a wide range of recurrent illnesses, ranging from ear infections and pneumonia to eye infections and gastrointestinal disorders. Infections of the throat are also common, and thrush is one frequent culprit. Unfortunately, these infections tend to take longer to clear in those with IgA deficiency, even when they are treated with highly effective antibiotics.
Allergies are also issues for those with this condition. Often, they are severe and difficult to treat. A person with this disease may 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 cramping as symptoms.
IgA deficiency is typically present at birth, though some cases aren't discovered until much later in life. Usually, the disease is diagnosed when doctors run tests to discover the cause of recurring infections and chronic illnesses. To determine whether a person has IgA deficiency, doctors use blood tests to detect Ig and IgG2. If a person has this condition, he will have low amounts of IgA antibodies but normal amounts of other antibodies, including IgM and IgG. Sometimes, doctors will also give a patient an immunization and then test how well the body makes antibodies against the 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 employed, 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.
