Is IgM less specific than IgG?

Is IgM less specific than IgG?

IgM is specialized to activate complement efficiently upon binding antigen. IgG antibodies are usually of higher affinity and are found in blood and in extracellular fluid, where they can neutralize toxins, viruses, and bacteria, opsonize them for phagocytosis, and activate the complement system.

What is immunoglobulin G responsible for?

IgG is the main type of antibody found in blood and extracellular fluid, allowing it to control infection of body tissues. By binding many kinds of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi, IgG protects the body from infection.

What does the M in IgM stand for?

In accordance with its large size, the new antibody was originally referred to as γ-macroglobulin, and then in subsequent terminology as IgM—M for “macro”.

Where is IgM found in the body?

Immunoglobulin M (IgM): Found mainly in blood and lymph fluid, this is the first antibody the body makes when it fights a new infection. Immunoglobulin E (IgE): Normally found in small amounts in the blood. There may be higher amounts when the body overreacts to allergens or is fighting an infection from a parasite.

What is an IgG deficiency?

An IgG deficiency is a health problem in which your body doesn’t make enough Immunoglobulin G (IgG). People with IgG deficiency are more likely to get infections. When your body feels it is under attack, it makes special proteins called immunoglobulins or antibodies. These antibodies are made by the plasma cells.

What does it mean if immunoglobulin M is low?

Low Immunoglobulin M Low levels of IgM may mean your immune system is not working optimally. Because this antibody helps provide protection against bacteria and viruses, having low IgM levels has been associated with a higher risk of recurring infections [8].

What causes IgM deficiency?

Other causes of decreased levels of serum IgM (i.e., secondary IgM deficiency) are episodes of infection, thymic hypoplasia, celiac disease, autoimmune disease, and certain adult malignancies; and other PIDs (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, DOCK8 deficiency, ataxia-telangiectasia, CVID, and XLA, in combination with IgG and …

What is an IgM deficiency?

Selective IgM deficiency (SIgMD) is a rare immune disorder in which a person has no immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies, or too little IgM, with normal levels of IgG and IgA antibodies.[8783][14189] IgM is the first antibody the immune system makes to fight a new infection.[14182] Therefore, when a person does not have …

What diseases cause low IgG?

Infections that most often affect people with IgG deficiency are:

• Sinus infections and other respiratory infections.
• Gastrointestinal infections.
• Ear infections.
• Pneumonia.
• Bronchitis.
• Infections that result in a sore throat.
• Rarely, severe and life-threatening infections.