Immunoglobulins

Determination of immune status is carried out through immunoglobulin analysis

There are 5 classes of immunoglobulins and several subclasses. Each class is a group of antibodies with a specific role.

Immunoglobulin classes:

Immunoglobulin M (IgM):

These are the largest antibodies, accounting for about 5-10% of all immunoglobulins.

They are found in the blood and lymph, with IgM being the first immunoglobulin that the immune system produces in response to infection and/or foreign antigen, providing short-term protection.

Immunoglobulin M levels rise for several weeks and then decline as IgG production begins.

The developing fetus (fetus) can also produce IgM antibodies, but due to its large size, they cannot cross the placenta.

Elevated levels of immunoglobulins M in newborns indicate the presence of infection during pregnancy.

Immunoglobulin D (IgG):

These are the smallest antibodies, but the most numerous — they make up about 70-80% of the immunoglobulins in the blood.

This class of antibodies plays a very important role in the fight against bacterial and viral infections, since class G immunoglobulins form the basis of the body’s long-term defense against microorganisms.

Specific IgG antibodies are produced during initial infection or other exposure to antigens, their levels increase several weeks after the onset of infection, and then decrease and stabilize.

When exposed to the same antigen (reinfection), the body can quickly begin producing IgG antibodies again, producing enough IgG immunoglobulins in people with normal immune systems to prevent reinfection.

In Treatment in Germany, Vaccinations work on the basis of this model — preventing the initial infection by exposing the person to weakened (weakened) living organisms or antigens that stimulate the preliminary formation of antibodies.

IgG is the only class of antibodies that can cross the placenta, and maternal IgG antibodies provide protection to the fetus during pregnancy and the child during the first few months of life.

Immunoglobulins class G have 4 subclasses: IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA):

This class of antibodies makes up about 15% of the total immunoglobulins in the blood, but is also found in saliva, tears, respiratory and gastric secretions, nose, ears, vagina, and breast milk.

IgA antibodies provide protection to mucous membranes in various areas of the body from infection, such as the respiratory tract (sinuses and lungs) and the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines).

When passed from mother to child during lactation, IgA antibodies protect (protect) the baby’s gastrointestinal tract.

Class A immunoglobulins have 2 subclasses: IgA1 and IgA2.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE):

Antibodies of this class are associated with allergies, allergic diseases and parasitic infections, causing the body to react to foreign substances such as pollen, fungal spores and animal dander.

IgE antibodies cause the release of histamine from fat cells and basophils, participating in allergic reactions to milk, some drugs and some poisons.

Reference values for immunoglobulins

IgG: 8-18 g/l.

IgA: 0,7-4,5 g/l.

IgM: man: 0,6-2,5 g/l; woman:  0,7-2,8 g/l.

IgD: 0,03-0,4 g/l.

IgE: 17-450 mg/l.

immune statusimmunoglobulins