[Comparative analysis of systemic and local immunity in selective IgA deficiency].

The levels of serum and salivary immunoglobulins and serum antibodies to 5 different antigens (diphtheria toxoid, Escherichia coli and Shigella sonnei O-antigens, bovine serum albumin and ovalbumin), as well as heterohemagglutinins , were studied in 29 persons with complete or partial IgA deficiency. In 27% of cases an increase in the level of serum IgA was observed, such increase occurring more frequently in complete than in partial IgA deficiency. A rise in the level of serum antibodies, especially those to alimentary and enterobacterial antigens, was established; the degree of this rise was not correlated with the degree of disturbances in the systemic synthesis of IgA. In complete IgA deficiency not only serum, but also salivary IgA was absent; in some cases saliva contained no secretory component as well. In partial IgA deficiency the level of salivary IgA was normal. The characteristic features of systemic and local immunity in a varying degree of disturbances in the synthesis of IgA are discussed.