Product Description

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IgG antibodies develop as part of a complex chain of events when the body’s immune system attempts to inactivate and destroy or remove a foreign substance such as an antigen. Thus, the presence of IgG antibodies specific to a certain antigen is a reliable marker of exposure to that antigen. Furthermore, the level of specific IgG in serum usually reflects the extent of exposure to that antigen. Measuring specific IgG antibodies may provide a range of valuable clinical information in several fields:
 
Allergic diseases
In allergic diseases, specific IgG is used:
  • In clinical studies with asthma, rhinitis, urticaria, eczema and gastrointestinal disorders.
     
  • As a marker for exposure in different lung diseases, e.g. allergic alveolitis, aspergilloma and aspergillosis.
Food allergy
Antigen-specific IgG antibodies have been measured in patients with suspected allergy to food:
  • The presence of IgG antibodies is a sign of exposure.
     
  • Specific IgG antibody levels are of diagnostic importance for certain food antigens, e.g. gliadin.
Immunotherapy
In monitoring immunotherapy with inhalant allergens and hymenoptera venoms, increased levels of specific IgG (1-3):
  • Show a general (but not definitive) correlation with clinical outcome
     
  • Show that the immune system is responding to the therapy
Autoimmunity
Elevated levels of specific IgG autoantibodies to antigens like Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and Thyroglobulin (TG) can:
  • Indicate that the patient may suffer from an autoimmune disease.
     
  • Aid in the diagnosis of the autoimmune disease.

References:

    1. Ewan PW, Deighton J, Wilson AB, Lachmann PJ. Venom-specific IgG antibodies in bee and wasp allergy: lack of correlation with protection from stings. Clin Exp Allergy 1993;23:647-60.
    2. Tari MG, Mancino M, Monti G. Efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy in patients with rhinitis and asthma due to house dust mite. A double-blind study. Allergol et Immunopathol 1990;18(5):277-84.
    3. Nagata M, Yamamoto H, Tabe K, Kimura I, Houya I, Kuramitsu K, et al. Effect of rush immunotheraphy in house-dust-mite (HDM)-sensitive adult bronchial asthma: changes in in vivo and in vitro responses to HDM.
      Intern Med 1993;32(9):702-9.