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immunoglobulins IgM

20 Azn
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Immunoglobulins (antibodies) are essential proteins in the immune system that protect the body against foreign invaders, bacteria, and viruses. There are five types of immunoglobulins: IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE, and IgD.

What is IgM?

  • IgM is the first antibody produced during a primary infection, indicating an acute infection or early immune response.
  • It makes up 5-10% of total immunoglobulins in the blood.
  • IgM has a half-life of approximately 5 days.
  • IgM is a pentamer (five antibody units joined together), making it larger than other immunoglobulins and unable to cross the placenta.
  • High IgM levels in a fetus suggest intrauterine infection.
  • Over time, IgM antibodies transition to IgG antibodies, providing long-term immunity.
  • Take the test at least 2 hours after the last meal.
  • Avoid smoking for 3 hours before the test.
  • Avoid physical and emotional stress for 1 hour before the test.
  • Evaluation of humoral immunity
  • Diagnosis of immunodeficiencies
  • Distinguishing acute vs. chronic infections (alongside IgG testing)
  • Assessment of immune function in autoimmune diseases
  • Monitoring immunoglobulin therapy
  • Diagnosis of Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia

Elevated IgM Levels May Indicate:

  • Acute infections (respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary tract infections)
  • Acute liver diseases (autoimmune hepatitis, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcohol-related liver damage)
  • Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus - SLE)
  • Congenital infections (toxoplasmosis, herpes, syphilis, rubella, cytomegalovirus - CMV)
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (lymphoproliferative disorder)
  • Acute and chronic lymphocytic leukemia
  • Hyper-IgM syndrome
  • Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
  • Candida infections of the skin and mucous membranes

Decreased IgM Levels May Indicate:

  • Physiological hypogammaglobulinemia in infants (3-5 months old)
  • Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)
  • Bruton’s agammaglobulinemia (X-linked immunodeficiency)
  • Hypogammaglobulinemia
  • Leukemia
  • Splenectomy (removal of the spleen)
  • Nephrotic syndrome
  • Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
  • HIV/AIDS