1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Dermatology
IgA - Immunoglobulin A
<Back to Last Page>     <Full Glossary>

 Related Terms
• IgE
• IgG
• IgM
 
 
Definition:
IgA is a type of antibody whose main function is to fight ingested antigens. It is found in body secretions such as saliva, sweat, or tears. IgA prevents the attachment of viruses and bacteria to skin and intestinal lining surfaces.

Related Resources:

Bacterial Infections
Information about all types of bacterial skin infections.
Viral Infections
Information about viral infections that affect the skin.
Fungal Infections
Information about fungal infections that affect the skin, hair, and nails.

<Back to Last Page>     <Full Glossary>
Explore Dermatology
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Dermatology

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.