Table of Contents
Why does the body make five different classes of immunoglobulins?
There are five immunoglobulin classes (isotypes) of antibody molecules found in serum: IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE, and IgD. The variation in heavy chain polypeptides allows each immunoglobulin class to function in a different type of immune response or during a different stage of the body’s defense.
What do IgG antibodies indicate?
IgG. High levels of IgG may mean a long-term (chronic) infection, such as HIV, is present. Levels of IgG also get higher in IgG multiple myeloma, long-term hepatitis, and multiple sclerosis (MS).
What does it mean to have hep A antibodies?
IgG (immunoglobulin G) antibodies. You may have them all your life. They protect you against hepatitis A. If you test positive for them but not for IgM antibodies, it means you had a hepatitis A infection in the past or had vaccinations to protect against it.
What is hepatitis A antibody IgG?
IgG antibodies are detectable in the body for life, providing protection against a future hepatitis A virus infection. The IgG anti-HAV test is used to detect past HAV infections and may occasionally be used to determine if an individual has developed immunity from a previous infection or vaccination.
What does hepatitis B surface antigen positive mean?
HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) – A “positive” or “reactive” HBsAg test result means that the person is infected with hepatitis B. This test can detect the actual presence of the hepatitis B virus (called the “surface antigen”) in your blood.
What does it mean if Hep B surface antibody is non reactive?
Normal results are negative or nonreactive, meaning that no hepatitis B surface antigen was found. If your test is positive or reactive, it may mean you are actively infected with HBV.
Why are there different classes of antibodies?
Antibody classes differ in valency as a result of different numbers of Y-like units (monomers) that join to form the complete protein. For example, in humans, functioning IgM antibodies have five Y-shaped units (pentamer) containing a total of 10 light chains, 10 heavy chains and 10 antigen-binding.
Are immunoglobulins antibodies?
Immunoglobulins are also known as antibodies. They are made by plasma cells (white blood cells). Plasma cells make immunoglobulins, which are also known as antibodies.
What does it mean if you have IgG and IgM antibodies?
-If the tests show you have both IgM and IgG, it suggests you are in the early recovery phase. -If the test shows IgG alone, it suggests you have had the infection and are at least 14 days from the beginning of the infection and are unlikely to be infectious.