Which immunoglobulin increases during the convalescence phase of infection?

During the convalescence phase of an infection, the immune system continues to respond to the pathogen, and the levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) rise significantly. This increase in IgG is a crucial aspect of the immune response as it is primarily responsible for providing long-term immunity and establishing memory against the specific antigen.

IgG is produced in response to an infection or vaccination and typically reaches its peak during the later stages of an immune response. After an initial infection, IgM is initially produced which is indicative of a recent infection, but as recovery progresses, the immune system shifts to producing more IgG. This transition is pivotal in establishing a robust and lasting defense, ensuring that if the pathogen is encountered again, the body can respond more effectively and quickly.

While other immunoglobulins like IgA and IgE have their roles in mucosal immunity and allergic responses, respectively, they do not correlate specifically with the convalescence phase of infection in the same way that IgG does. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for interpreting immune responses and the roles of different immunoglobulins.