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Updated: Jan 28, 2026

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Increased risk of group B Streptococcus causing meningitis in infants with mannose-binding lectin deficiency

N Chen1, X Zhang2, K Zheng1

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.

Clinical Microbiology and Infection : the Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
|March 6, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Infants with mannose-binding lectin (MBL) deficiency show increased risk for group B Streptococcus (GBS) meningitis. MBL deficiency is linked to higher C-reactive protein and neutrophil levels in affected infants.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays a crucial role in the innate immune system.
  • MBL deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to various infections.
  • Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a significant cause of meningitis in infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between MBL deficiency and the risk of GBS meningitis in Chinese infants.
  • To evaluate the clinical features of GBS meningitis in relation to MBL genotypes.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 33 infants with GBS meningitis and 330 healthy controls.
  • Genotyping of six MBL polymorphisms using PCR-based sequencing.
  • Measurement of serum MBL concentration and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, neutrophils).

Main Results:

  • A significantly higher frequency of the MBL variant genotype A/B was observed in GBS meningitis patients compared to controls (45% vs. 24%, p=0.011).
  • Patients with the A/B genotype exhibited significantly lower serum MBL levels and higher levels of C-reactive protein, neutrophils, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio.
  • No significant differences in clinical features were found among patients with different MBL genotypes.

Conclusions:

  • Infants with MBL deficiency are at a higher risk of developing GBS meningitis.
  • MBL deficiency may influence the inflammatory response during GBS meningitis.
  • Further large-scale studies in diverse populations are warranted to confirm these findings.
Keywords:
ChinaELISAGenotypingGroup B streptococciInfantsMannose-binding lectinMeningitis

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