D80.2: Selective deficiency of immunoglobulin A [IgA]

The immune system protects the body from pathogens and foreign substances. The immune system can also destroy cells in the body that have pathologically changed. The body's immune system is made up of different types of immune cells. Some immune cells can destroy pathogens or foreign bodies themselves. Other immune cells produce certain antibodies. Some of the immune system’s antibodies can make pathogens and foreign substances visible to the immune system. Other antibodies attack pathogens or foreign substances directly.

There can be various reasons for not producing enough antibodies. These include genetic changes and certain drugs.

For example, there are certain antibodies in mucous membranes. A mucous membrane is a moist skin that coat things like the respiratory tract and the gastrointestinal tract. In these locations, the antibodies are themselves able to protect against any infiltrating pathogens.

If you are not producing enough of these antibodies, you may be unable to properly combat various pathogens. Most people affected suffer few or no problems as a result. However, the pathogens may also repeatedly cause infection. The infections can affect the respiratory tract or the skin, for example. The infections may also be more severe and last longer than normal.

The condition can also favor allergies. With an allergy, the immune system overreacts to certain substances. Such substances may be harmless substances in the environment, drugs or certain chemicals, for example. With this condition, parts of the immune system may also target the body's own tissue or cells.