National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Immunoglobulin G deficiency

Not a rare disease Not a rare disease
Other Names:
IgG deficiency; IgG subclass deficiency
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) deficiency is a condition that involves the immune system and is characterized by a shortage of type G antibodies. There are four different subclasses of IgG: IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4. People with IgG deficiency may have a decreased amount of one or more of the IgG subclasses or a shortage of other types of antibodies, which may occur in various conditions including X-linked agammaglobulinemia, common variable immunodeficiency, and hyper-IgM syndrome. Individuals with IgG deficiency may have an increased susceptibility to infection, but the symptoms of this condition are variable and some people never experience any symptoms. Treatment may involve antibiotics and intravenous (IV) immunoglobulin.[1][2]
Last updated: 6/8/2016

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Organizations Supporting this Disease

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Immunoglobulin G deficiency. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  1. Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH. Immunoglobulin G deficiency. Medscape. October 26, 2015; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/136897-overview#a5.
  2. IgG Subclass Deficiency. Immune Deficiency Foundation. 2013; http://primaryimmune.org/about-primary-immunodeficiencies/specific-disease-types/igg-subclass-deficiency/.