Selective IgA Deficiency

Selective IgA Deficiency is an immune system disorder which occurs due to a lack of IgA immunoproteins which are produced by the immune system in response to the presence of foreign substances. These foreign substances, called antigens, can be bacteria and toxic materials. Antibodies recognize and attack antigens by binding to them in order to remove them from the body. Immunoglobulin A protein (IgA) is found on the skin, the respiratory, digestive and reproductive tracts, and in tears. When the immune system fails to produce sufficient amount of IgA, or does not produce it at all, animals have chronic, recurrent respiratory infections, digestive system disorders, dermatitis, and allergies.

Tte IgA deficiency in German Shepherd dogs has been associated with several severe infectious diseases: aspergillosis, with an almost 100% death rate; otitis externa, and skin infections including folliculitis.

These infections are generally unresponsive to antibiotic therapy. Affected dogs are usually smaller than their litter mates. The disease can manifest in young puppies as scratching, sneezing, nasal discharge, chronic diarrhea, and frequent urination.

The IgA deficiency is usually diagnosed through blood test which may show reduced or absent IgA.

Breeds at Risk

The disorder affects Beagles, German Shepherd dogs, Shar-Pei, Irish setters and some other breeds.

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