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Chronic meningococcaemia and immunoglobulin A deficiency
Arnaud Theulin1, Murielle Rondeau-Lutz1, Cornelia Kuhnert1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 Place de l'Hôpital, 67091 Strasbourg Cedex, France.
Journal of Medical Microbiology
|July 24, 2010
Summary
Chronic meningococcaemia, a rare Neisseria meningitidis infection, occurred in a patient with IgA deficiency and common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). This case highlights the link between immune deficiencies and meningococcal disease susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis is a significant human pathogen, typically causing acute infections.
- Chronic meningococcaemia is an uncommon presentation of meningococcal disease.
- Immunodeficiencies, particularly those affecting antibody production, can predispose individuals to recurrent or unusual infections.
Observation:
- A patient presented with chronic meningococcaemia.
- The patient exhibited total immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency and partial immunoglobulin M (IgM) deficiency.
- A low count of switched memory B cells was noted, suggesting a borderline form of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID).
Findings:
- The case demonstrates a correlation between specific antibody deficiencies (IgA, IgM) and recurrent Neisseria meningitidis infection.
- The findings underscore the potential role of IgA in mucosal immunity against Neisseria meningitidis.
- The patient's presentation suggests a link between IgA deficiency and the spectrum of common variable immunodeficiency disorders.
Implications:
- Understanding the role of IgA in Neisseria meningitidis infection is crucial for diagnosing and managing patients with recurrent infections.
- This case emphasizes the importance of investigating underlying immunodeficiencies in patients with unusual presentations of bacterial infections.
- Further research into the relationship between CVID, IgA deficiency, and susceptibility to meningococcal disease is warranted.
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