The secretory IgA (sIgA) level indicates the quantity of a key immune protein called Immunoglobulin A, predominantly found in mucosal areas such as the intestines, respiratory tract, and saliva. Secretory IgA plays a crucial role in the body’s primary defence by attaching to pathogens and blocking their entry, thereby helping to protect mucosal surfaces and support overall immune and gut health.
Testing for secretory IgA levels can be beneficial for individuals with chronic gastrointestinal issues, autoimmune diseases, or recurrent infections, especially respiratory or gastrointestinal. It’s also useful for assessing the immune function in individuals with allergies or food sensitivities, as secretory IgA plays a crucial role in mucosal immunity and gut barrier function.
Secretory IgA (sIgA) in the blood and feces serve different roles and indicate various aspects of immune function:
Essentially, secretory IgA in the blood gives a broader picture of the immune status, while sIgA in the feces specifically highlights gut-related immune function.
If fecal secretory IgA levels are high, it often indicates an active response to a challenge in the gut. This can be due to several factors:
High fecal secretory IgA is essentially a sign that the body’s immune system is actively working to defend the gut lining against perceived threats.
If fecal secretory IgA levels are low, it suggests a weakened mucosal immune response in the gastrointestinal tract, which can have several implications:
Low fecal secretory IgA levels are a concern as they indicate that the gut’s first line of immune defense is not functioning optimally. This can lead to various gastrointestinal issues and may impact overall health.