Secretory IgA

The levels of sIgA are frequently used to assess the immune status of the mucosal membranes. Moreover, they are important indicators of stress. There is stress induced reduction in the levels of sIgA. However, this is independent of the subjective perception of stress. The titers are also not time bound, i.e., the reduction persists beyond the time a stressor affects an individual. They are thus used as indicators for prolonged periods of stress.

Some common conditions that cause a decrease in the levels of sIgA are:

• Infections or diseases of the oral area
• Immune diseases of the intestinal mucosa such as coeliac disease
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Or different pharmacological interventions

Together with alpha amylase and cortisol, determination of sIgA titers allows for estimation of individual physiopathological effects of stress (stress reactivity).