Virus antibody levels in IgA deficiency

IgA-deficient blood donors and their age- and sex-matched controls were compared for the occurrence of complement-fixing antibodies in serum against several viruses. The level in the IgA-deficient persons was slightly higher against several respiratory pathogens (adenoviruses, type B influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus) that give rise to localized infections, and against coxsackie B group of viruses. No corresponding difference was observed in mumps, varicella, and cytomegalovirus infections, where viraemia is a characteristic feature, or in Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.