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Relapsing Neisseria meningitidis infection associated with C8 deficiency
Abstract:
Infection due to serogroup Y of Neisseria meningitidis has many clinical manifestations, ranging from mild bacteremia to fatal sepsis and meningitis. N. meningitidis infection may coincide with several complement deficiencies. A child is described who suffered from recurrent disease due to N. meningitidis, group Y, attributed to deficiency of the eighth component of complement (C8). In a review of the literature, recurrent infection occurred in six of 13 children with complement deficiency, four of whom had serotyping positive for N. meningitidis, group Y. Screening for complement deficiency is recommended for all children with meningococcal disease due to N. meningitidis, group Y, and for any child with recurrent infection due to any Neisseria species.
Insights
Children with recurrent Neisseria meningitidis group Y infections may have a complement deficiency, specifically the eighth component of complement (C8). Screening for complement deficiencies is recommended for these children.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y infections present with diverse clinical outcomes, from mild bacteremia to severe sepsis and meningitis.
- Meningococcal infections can be associated with various complement deficiencies, impacting the immune response.
- The complement system is crucial for host defense against encapsulated bacteria like Neisseria meningitidis.
Observation:
- A case study of a child experiencing recurrent Neisseria meningitidis group Y disease due to a deficiency in the eighth component of complement (C8).
- Literature review identified recurrent infections in 6 of 13 children with complement deficiencies.
- Four of these children with recurrent infections had Neisseria meningitidis serotyped as group Y.
Findings:
- Complement component deficiencies, particularly C8 deficiency, are linked to recurrent Neisseria meningitidis group Y infections in children.
- A significant proportion of children with complement deficiencies experience recurrent infections, with a notable subset caused by Neisseria meningitidis group Y.
- The study highlights a specific association between C8 deficiency and severe, recurrent meningococcal disease.
Implications:
- Recommends screening for complement deficiencies in all children diagnosed with Neisseria meningitidis group Y disease.
- Suggests evaluating children with recurrent infections from any Neisseria species for underlying complement deficiencies.
- Emphasizes the importance of diagnosing complement deficiencies for appropriate management and prevention of severe meningococcal disease.