D80.5: Immunodeficiency with increased immunoglobulin M [IgM]

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 are various antibody groups. Some of your immune cells are not producing enough antibodies in one group. As a result, another group is producing too many antibodies.

If you are not producing enough of certain antibodies, you will be unable to properly combat various pathogens. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses and fungi, for example. Even at a young age, the pathogens can repeatedly cause infection. The infections can affect the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract or the skin, for example. The infections may also be more severe and last longer than normal. In that case, you may be seriously ill.

The condition can be hereditary. This means that other family members can also be affected.