Understanding Clinical Immunology
The immune system is your body's defence force. When it works perfectly, it protects you from infections and cancer. When it malfunctions — attacking your own tissues (autoimmune disease), overreacting to harmless substances (allergy), or failing to respond (immune deficiency) — the consequences range from chronic discomfort to life-threatening emergencies.
Clinical Immunology is the specialty that understands, diagnoses, and corrects these immune system disorders. At KG Hospital, our immunology team works closely with rheumatology, pulmonology, dermatology, nephrology, and paediatrics to deliver comprehensive immune care — from routine allergy testing to advanced biological therapies.
Autoimmune Disease Management
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. Over 80 distinct autoimmune conditions exist; KG Hospital's immunology team manages the most complex among them — often in conjunction with organ-specific specialists.
SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks multiple organ systems simultaneously. It is significantly more common in women of childbearing age. Early diagnosis and aggressive disease monitoring prevent irreversible organ damage — particularly lupus nephritis.
- 50% of SLE patients develop lupus nephritis — a major cause of renal failure in young women
- Undiagnosed SLE doubles cardiovascular risk through accelerated atherosclerosis
- With treatment, 10-year survival exceeds 90% — making early diagnosis life-saving
RA is one of the most common autoimmune diseases, causing progressive inflammation of joints that leads to pain, swelling, and eventually joint destruction if untreated. Modern biologic therapies (TNF inhibitors, JAK inhibitors) have transformed RA outcomes — with remission now achievable for most patients when treated early.
Vasculitis encompasses a heterogeneous group of diseases causing inflammation of blood vessels — ranging from small-vessel vasculitis (ANCA-associated) to large-vessel disease (Takayasu's arteritis common in young Indian women). Misdiagnosis is frequent due to protean manifestations; our immunology team has experience managing these rare conditions.
Our team manages the full spectrum of systemic connective tissue diseases: Sjogren's syndrome (dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue), inflammatory myopathies (dermatomyositis, polymyositis), and systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) — including pulmonary manifestations such as interstitial lung disease requiring pulmonology collaboration.
Allergic Disorders & Anaphylaxis
Allergic diseases affect 20–30% of the population and range from bothersome seasonal sneezing to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Our allergy team identifies specific triggers through comprehensive testing and offers curative immunotherapy — not just symptom relief.
Severe Systemic Allergic Reaction
Life-threatening allergic response to foods (peanut, shellfish), insect stings, drugs, or latex. Requires immediate adrenaline. We provide anaphylaxis risk assessment, epinephrine auto-injector training, and venom immunotherapy.
Allergic Rhinitis & Asthma
Dust mites, pollen, mould spores, and pet dander trigger nasal congestion, sneezing, or bronchospasm. Skin prick testing identifies triggers; allergen immunotherapy provides long-term remission beyond antihistamines.
IgE-Mediated Food Reactions
Milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, wheat, and soy are the most common food allergens in India. Specific IgE blood tests (ImmunoCAP) and supervised oral food challenges confirm diagnosis. Oral immunotherapy available for selected patients.
Antibiotic & NSAID Reactions
Penicillin skin testing, aspirin hypersensitivity evaluation, and graded drug challenges identify true drug allergies — allowing safe use of essential medications and avoiding unnecessary avoidance labels that limit treatment options.
Chronic Hives & Swelling
Chronic spontaneous urticaria lasting >6 weeks requires investigation for autoimmune triggers (anti-TPO, ANA, IgE-FcεRI autoantibodies). Omalizumab (anti-IgE biologic) is highly effective for antihistamine-refractory cases.
Patch Testing for Contact Allergy
Allergic contact dermatitis from cosmetics, metals (nickel), rubber, preservatives, and occupational chemicals is diagnosed by standardised patch testing — a 48–96 hour skin test battery identifying specific allergens.
Primary & Secondary Immune Deficiencies
Immune deficiency diseases are underdiagnosed in India. The warning sign is recurrent, severe, or unusual infections. Our immunology team investigates and manages both primary (genetic) and secondary (acquired) immune deficiencies.
Warning Signs of Immune Deficiency
Conditions We Diagnose
Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID)
Most common symptomatic antibody deficiency in adults — low IgG, IgA, IgM — treated with immunoglobulin replacement (IVIG/SCIG)
Selective IgA Deficiency
Most common primary immune deficiency overall — increased risk of respiratory infections, autoimmune disease, and transfusion reactions
Secondary Immune Deficiency
Immune deficiency secondary to HIV, chemotherapy, malnutrition, diabetes, nephrotic syndrome, or prolonged steroid use
Advanced Immunological Testing
Accurate immune diagnosis requires specialised tests not available in every hospital. KG Hospital's NABL-accredited immunology laboratory offers a comprehensive immunological testing menu.
Autoantibody Testing
ANA (IFA pattern), anti-dsDNA, ENA panel (anti-SSA, SSB, Sm, RNP, Scl70, Jo-1), ANCA (c-ANCA, p-ANCA), anti-CCP, RF, APS panel.
Skin Prick & Specific IgE
Skin prick testing panel for 60+ regional aeroallergens and food allergens. ImmunoCAP specific IgE for foods, drugs, and venoms. Patch test battery for contact allergens.
Immunoglobulin & Complement
Serum IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE levels; IgG subclasses; complement C3, C4, CH50; lymphocyte subsets by flow cytometry (CD4, CD8, B cells, NK cells).
Inflammatory Markers
ESR, CRP, ferritin (macrophage activation), LDH, fibrinogen. Advanced: IL-6, procalcitonin, serum amyloid A for complex inflammatory conditions.
Drug Hypersensitivity Evaluation
Penicillin skin test, aspirin challenge, graded drug provocation under supervised conditions with resuscitation equipment available. Safe drug labelling.
Vasculitis & Antiphospholipid Panel
ANCA (by ELISA and IFA), anti-GBM, antiphospholipid antibodies (anticardiolipin IgG/IgM, anti-β2 glycoprotein-I, lupus anticoagulant), cryoglobulins.
Allergen Immunotherapy & Biological Treatments
Modern immunology has moved far beyond antihistamines and steroids. We offer disease-modifying therapies that target specific immune pathways — delivering lasting remission rather than temporary symptom suppression.
Subcutaneous Allergen Immunotherapy (SCIT)
Allergy shots containing increasing doses of your specific allergens desensitise your immune system over 3–5 years. It is the only treatment that changes the underlying immune response — reducing symptoms by 85–90% in allergic rhinitis and preventing asthma development in children with rhinitis.
