These different types of antibodies perform different functions and are all important in fighting infections. As a result, patients with this disease have decreased levels of IgG and IgA but normal or elevated levels of IgM in their blood. Patients with HIGM syndrome have an inability to switch from the production of antibodies of the IgM type to antibodies of the IgG, IgA or IgE types. Most of the other forms are inherited as autosomal recessive traits and therefore can affect both boys and girls. The most common form is inherited as an X-chromosome linked. A number of different genetic defects can cause HIGM syndrome. The disease is characterized by decreased levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the blood and normal or elevated levels of IgM. Patients with Hyper-IgM (HIGM) syndrome are susceptible to recurrent and severe infections and in some types of HIGM syndrome opportunistic infections and an increased risk of cancer as well.
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