Complement aberrations in serum from children with otitis due to S. pneumoniae or H. influenzae

Complement components C1q, C1s, C3, C4, factor B and properdin were measured, together with C1 subcomponent complexes and Cq binding substances in acute and convalescent samples from patients with relapsing and non-relapsing otitis media due to S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae. Analysis of C1 subcomponent complexes together with the finding of low C1q levels gave evidence of a disturbed C1 function in acute OME. Furthermore, complement activation by the classical and by the alternative pathways was demonstrated. Complement aberrations were more pronounced in relapsing otitis than in non-relapsing otitis. C1q binding substances that might possibly cause the complement aberrations found were present in most of the patients.