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Chronic meningococcemia in a child with a deficiency of the sixth component of complement
M B Fasano1, K Sullivan, L Ibsen
1Eudowood Division of Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Insights
Chronic meningococcemia, a rare form of meningococcal disease, appears linked to complement deficiencies. This study reviewed eight male cases, suggesting a connection between these immune system gaps and the persistent infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Chronic meningococcemia is an infrequent presentation of meningococcal disease.
- The predisposing microbial and host factors remain poorly understood.
- While acute meningococcal disease is common in terminal complement deficiencies, its link to chronic forms is unclear.
Abstract:
Chronic meningococcemia represents an uncommon manifestation of meningococcal disease. Microbial and host factors which may predispose to this form of meningococcal disease are not understood. Although acute meningococcal disease is frequently found in patients with terminal complement deficiencies, the relationship of chronic meningococcemia to complement deficiencies is unclear. We present a case report and a review of the literature describing chronic meningococcemia in association with deficiencies of the complement system. A total of eight cases were identified, all of whom were male. Six of the eight patients were children and two of the eight had a previous history of meningococcal disease. This case report, in conjunction with the previously reported cases, suggests an association between complement deficiencies and chronic meningococcemia.