Conditions listing Selective IgA Deficiency as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Selective IgA Deficiency. Our database lists the following as having Selective IgA Deficiency as a symptom of that condition:
Article excerpts about the
causes of Selective IgA Deficiency:
IgA deficiency is caused by faulty
white blood cells called B cells or B lymphocytes. While patients
have normal numbers of B cells, these cells do not mature into
normal IgA-producing cells. Scientists do not yet know the exact
cause or causes for these immature B cells. Sometimes clusters of
cases occur in families, and IgA-deficient patients are more likely
than the general population to be related to someone with combined
variable immunodeficiency, another form of immunodeficiency
discussed below. Research is underway to determine the location of
the suspected genes on the involved chromosomes.
How is IgA deficiency
treated?
There is no specific treatment for
selective IgA deficiency. Doctors treat bacterial infections with
antibiotics, and patients with giardiasis (an infection caused by a
common intestinal parasite receive metronidazole or quinacrine
hydrochloride.
(Source: excerpt from Primary Immune Deficiency, NIAID Fact Sheet: NIAID)
As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Selective IgA Deficiency may be found in:
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Selective IgA Deficiency.
IgA deficiency seems to be linked to autosomal dominant or recessive inheritance. The disorder has familial trends and occurs frequently in immediate relatives of individuals with common variable immunodeficiency. The presence of normal numbers of peripheral blood lymphocytes carrying IgA receptors and of normal amounts of other immunoglobulins suggests that B cells may not be secreting IgA, as they haven’t matured into IgA-producing plasma cells. Congenital intrauterine infection with rubella, toxoplasmosis, or cytomegalovirus can result in selective IgA deficiency. Treatment for seizures with phenytoin and hydantoin, as well as Wilson disease (an inherited disorder treated with penicillamine), can result in temporarily acquired selective IgA deficiency. When the medications are stopped, the IgA level returns to normal. Some drugs such as anticonvulsants may cause transient IgA deficiency.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
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