Am I being stupid?

[cape12]

Hello Dr.

I worry about having an IGG/IGM deficiency and so STD tests could be invalid.

I am a healthy 22yr old man, who since moving away from my family home rarely get colds. I do get blocked sinus' and noses and sore throats every couple of months  but these clear up in a week or so. I used to get tonsillitis, once a year, but have not had it in the best part of 12yrs.

2 yrs ago, I caught a lung infection that resolved with antibiotics.

1. If one had an IGG/ IGM deficiency would one, know from a young age if you had a deficiency or not. My research tells me that, if I were to have had a deficiency, I would have known about it from a young age. I was told that I would get recurring ear problems, chronic sinusitis and bacterial infections. Correct?


2. I have had HIV antibody and RNA tests and also had Syphilis blood tests EIA IGG/IGM test - all negative. The RNA test, I believe is separate from an antibody test, so is fully conclusive irrespective of a deficiency. Correct?


3. What I was worried about, was could one have a very mild deficiency, and so, not know it, yet tests could in effect be invalid. Is this possible?

4. I have had the HIV INSTI test which I believe is licensed in USA too. This test uses a 'Human IgG-Capture control feature to ensure proper sample addition'. (http://www.biolytical.com/ourtechnology.html - INSTI website)

The website also said: "the procedural control for the INSTI™ consists of a protein capable of capturing the IgG normally present in human blood components. Captured IgG reacts with a chromatic agent to produce a visual signal (spot) on the control membrane"

To me, if the test is performed correctly - which it was as the control spot was visible - then this would prove that I do not have an IGG deficiency, as if I did have a deficiency the control spot would not develop.

Do you agree?

4. Overall, have you come across this in your career and do you think I should forget about this and move on as it is irrelevant?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

That is precisely what I would recommend. EWH

[cape12]

Thank you Dr.

Well, as I am not chronically ill, then i will assume I am a-ok.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

1.  You are playing games. To diagnose immunoglobulin deficincy you need to measure immunoglobulins.  In your case, with no reason to do this, to measure your immunoglobulins would be a waste of time and money.  

2.  Most likely.

EWH

[cape12]

Thank you Dr Hook.

Yes, that is what my own Dr said. That I would be chronically ill, will many problems, such as upper and lower respiratory infections.

Out of curiosity, do you agree on this:

1. I have had the HIV INSTI test which I believe is licensed in USA too. This test uses a 'Human IgG-Capture control feature to ensure proper sample addition'. (http://www.biolytical.com/ourtechnology.html - INSTI website)

The website also said: "the procedural control for the INSTI™ consists of a protein capable of capturing the IgG normally present in human blood components. Captured IgG reacts with a chromatic agent to produce a visual signal (spot) on the control membrane"

To me, if the test is performed correctly - which it was as the control spot was visible - then this would prove that I do not have an IGG deficiency, as if I did have a deficiency the control spot would not develop.

This indirectly does show that I do not have an IGG deficiency.

2. Also, I guess if one were to have a deficiency, then in my case of HIV and syphillis (as these are what I was tested for despite the exposures being protected penetrative anal sex where I was inserting my penis into the mans anus and unprotected fellatio where I received it and gave it - I only gave it 5 times or so in my life), if my body could not make antibodies to the virus and bacteria then I would have known that a long time ago as presumably the virus would get worse as would the syphilis. In other words, I would have had serious health complications arising from HIV and syphiliis. Correct?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum.  I cannot say for sure whether you have a partial IgG or IgM deficiency but the chances of this being the case are incredibly low.  Persons who have such deficiencies are chronically ill with a variety of health problems, beginning in childhood and going on beyond.  Nothing that you mention in any way suggests an immune deficiency which might make HIV tests unreliable in you.  You say nothing about why you are worried about HIV and/or other STDs but from what you say about your health and your prior tests, I see no evidence whatsoever that you have any reason to worry about your tests not providing accurate information regarding whether or not you are infected.  

My advice- believe your tests. EWH

[cape12]

Oh I should mention that the lung infection slightly weakened my lungs for a bit - in terms of being able to go the gym, but that soon resolved in about a month-6weeks after treatment. I was told that was normal.

And also, when I do get blocked noses, the back part of my head feels heavy which I believe to be the blocked sinus.

Recently, well months ago, I had a bad cold, and my eustachian tube in my right ear collapsed for a couple of days and so it felt permanently blocked for a couple of days,