Overview
Immunoglobulin A2 (IgA2) deficiency is a condition that was previously recognized as a distinct immune disorder but has since been reclassified and is now considered obsolete as a separate diagnosis in many medical databases. IgA is an important antibody that helps protect the body's mucous membranes, such as those lining the nose, throat, lungs, and gut. There are two subtypes of IgA: IgA1 and IgA2. IgA2 is particularly important in protecting the mucous membranes of the intestines and respiratory tract. When someone has a selective deficiency of the IgA2 subclass, they may have lower-than-normal levels of this specific antibody while other parts of their immune system may work normally. People with IgA2 deficiency may experience recurrent infections, particularly of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Some individuals may have no symptoms at all. Because this condition has been reclassified, it is now generally considered under the broader category of selective IgA deficiency or IgA subclass deficiency. Treatment is mainly supportive and focuses on managing infections when they occur. Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections, and in some cases, doctors may monitor immune function over time. There is no specific cure, and management is tailored to each person's symptoms and overall health.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Frequent sinus infectionsRecurrent ear infectionsRepeated lung infections or pneumoniaFrequent stomach or intestinal infectionsDiarrheaAllergiesAsthma-like symptomsBronchitisNo symptoms in some people
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Immunoglobulin A2 deficiency.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Immunoglobulin A2 deficiency.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to OBSOLETE: Immunoglobulin A2 deficiency.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Is my IgA2 deficiency part of a broader immune deficiency, or is it isolated?,Should I have my other immunoglobulin levels checked regularly?,Are there any vaccines I should avoid or make sure to get?,What should I do if I keep getting infections despite treatment?,Do I need to wear a medical alert bracelet about my IgA deficiency for blood transfusions?,Should my family members be tested for IgA deficiency?,Are there any signs that my condition could be getting worse over time?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Immunoglobulin A2 deficiency
What is OBSOLETE: Immunoglobulin A2 deficiency?
Immunoglobulin A2 (IgA2) deficiency is a condition that was previously recognized as a distinct immune disorder but has since been reclassified and is now considered obsolete as a separate diagnosis in many medical databases. IgA is an important antibody that helps protect the body's mucous membranes, such as those lining the nose, throat, lungs, and gut. There are two subtypes of IgA: IgA1 and IgA2. IgA2 is particularly important in protecting the mucous membranes of the intestines and respiratory tract. When someone has a selective deficiency of the IgA2 subclass, they may have lower-than-no