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Deficiency of the eighth component of complement associated with recurrent meningococcal meningitis--case report and

Daniela Dornelles Rosa1, Alessandro C Pasqualotto, Maurício de Quadros

  • 1Internal Medicine Department, Nossa Senhora da Conceição Hospital, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. ddrosa@terra.com.br

The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases
|November 27, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Complement deficiency can lead to recurrent meningitis, particularly meningococcal disease. Early screening for complement function is crucial in patients with invasive meningococcal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Recurrent meningitis poses significant health risks.
  • Neisseria meningitidis is a common cause of bacterial meningitis.
  • Complement system deficiencies are associated with increased susceptibility to infections.

Observation:

  • A young adult experienced recurrent meningitis, with one episode confirmed as meningococcal meningitis.
  • The patient was diagnosed with a deficiency in the eighth component of complement.

Findings:

  • Meningococcal disease can be the initial clinical presentation of complement component deficiency.
  • Patients with complement deficiencies exhibit increased susceptibility to Neisseria meningitidis infections.
  • Analysis of terminal complement pathway components is essential for diagnosis.

Implications:

  • Screening for complement function should be considered in individuals with invasive meningococcal disease.
  • Early diagnosis of complement deficiencies can guide preventative strategies and treatment.
  • Understanding the role of complement in Neisseria meningitidis pathogenesis is critical for public health.

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