Selective immunoglobulin deficiency

[Zipporah Schumaker]

Selective immunoglobulin deficiency is usually inherited. It results in a low level of one type (class) of antibody (immunoglobulin), even though the levels of other immunoglobulins are normal.

(See also Overview of Immunodeficiency Disorders.)

There are several classes of immunoglobulins, such as immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM. Each class helps protect the body from infection in a different way (see also Antibodies).

The level of any immunoglobulin class may be low, but the most commonly affected class is IgA.