immunoglobulin, IgG Infections

Immunoglobulin

Often infections? The test measures the amount of immunoglobulins (Ig for short) in the blood, distinguishing between three different types: IgA, and IgG and IgM. These are abbreviations for the immunoglobulin classes: A, G and M.

Immunoglobulins

Immunoglobulins, or antibodies, are proteins produced by humans to clear foreign substances and fight infections (viruses, bacteria or parasites).

Immunoglobulins are produced by specific white blood cells (B cells). Each group of identical cells makes one specific immunoglobulin. Sometimes a group of cells goes haywire and makes far too much of one type of immunoglobulin. This is then at the expense of other immunoglobulins, so that the immune system no longer works properly against infections.


IgM is often the first antibody produced during an infection and is later 'replaced' by IgG. IgG is produced in larger quantities or on second contact with the antigen. IgG can get to the unborn child through the placenta of the pregnant woman and takes care of the baby's defenses in the first six months.

Test is done in case of suspicion of monoclonal gammopathy of the IgG-kappa or IgG-lambda type, infections with polyclonal IgG replication, immunodeficiencies of B lymphocytes (e.g. Bruton's agammaglobulinemia), humoral immunodeficiency of the IgG subclasses with frequent bacterial infections of the respiratory tract

Elevated values are found in: monoclonal gammopathy of type IgG Kappa or IgGLambda, amyloidosis, chronic infections, autoimmune hepatitis. Decreased values are found in: Bruton's agammaglobulinemia, humoral immunodeficiencies with decreased IgG subclasses

Nephelometry Method (NEPH)