Association between immunoglobulin levels and known genetic markers in an Iraqi population

The effects of ABO compatibility mating, secretor, and haptoglobin subtypes on the levels of immunoglobulin have been determined in an Iraqi population. An interaction between the secretor and Lewis subtypes and levels of immunoglobulin was demonstrated. The IgG levels of the non-secretor group were lower than those of secretors. In contrast, haptoglobin subtypes displayed no significant effect on immunoglobulin levels. The interactions may indicate the indirect importance of these genetic markers in the evolution of resistance to infections.