Selective IgA deficiency represents the most commonly found immune system deficiency disorder. IgA stands for immunoglobulin A, an antibody that helps you fight off threats from toxins, bacteria and viruses.
People with celiac disease are about 10 to 15 times more likely than others in the general population to have IgA deficiency.
Most people with IgA deficiency don't show any overt symptoms. However, they're more likely to suffer from frequent bouts with bronchitis, chronic diarrhea, eye infections, otitis media (middle ear infections), pneumonia and sinusitis.
If you have selective IgA deficiency, some celiac disease blood tests used to screen for the condition won't produce accurate results.
Sources:
Celiac Disease Frequently Asked Questions. University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research. Accessed Feb. 14, 2011.
Selective Deficiency of IgA. PubMed Health. Accessed Feb. 14, 2011.
Serologic and Genetic Testing. Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University. Accessed Feb. 14, 2011.
