Immunoglobin M (IgM)
Human GmbH
Proteins
Brief Description
Immunoglobulins are the most important part of the humoral immune system of the organism. The essential functions of IgM in the immune response are the agglutination of pathogens and the activation of the classical complement pathway. Elevated levels of IgM in cord serum or during the first four weeks of life may indicate intrauterine or neonatal infections such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis or syphilis. Changes in serum immunoglobulin concentrations can be classified as follows:
Hypogammaglobulinemias: IgM deficiency is rare and is associated with recurrent pyrogenic infections. Polyclonal gammopathies: IgM levels are increased in primary biliary cirrhosis, haemoprotozoan infections such as malaria, viral or bacterial infections and rheumatoid arthritis. Monoclonal gammopathies, e.g. in Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia and malignant lymphoma. Immunoturbidimetric test for the quantitative determination of immunoglobulin M (IgM) in human serum.
