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A low serum concentration of mannan-binding protein is not associated with serogroup B or C meningococcal disease

P Garred1, T E Michaelsen, G Bjune

  • 1Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Scandinavian Journal of Immunology
|April 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Mannan-binding protein (MBP) levels were similar in patients with meningococcal disease and healthy controls. Low MBP concentrations do not appear to increase the risk for developing severe meningococcal disease.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Complement System Biology
  • Infectious Disease Research

Background:

  • Mannan-binding protein (MBP), a mammalian C-type lectin, activates the complement system independently of C1q and antibodies.
  • Complement deficiencies are linked to increased susceptibility to meningococcal disease.
  • MBP is considered a component of the innate immune system and complement cascade.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate mannan-binding protein (MBP) levels in adolescents and young adults who survived severe meningococcal disease.
  • To determine if low MBP concentrations are associated with an increased risk of serogroup B or C meningococcal disease.

Main Methods:

  • Serum MBP concentrations were measured in 99 Norwegian individuals (12-21 years) who recovered from severe systemic meningococcal disease (serogroup B or C).
  • MBP levels in patients were compared to those of 40 healthy blood donor controls.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to compare MBP concentrations and the frequency of low MBP levels between groups.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in MBP concentration were found between patients with serogroup B or C meningococcal disease and healthy controls.
  • The frequency of individuals with low MBP levels (< 100 micrograms/l) was 10.1% in patients, which was not significantly different from the 12.5% observed in controls.

Conclusions:

  • Low serum mannan-binding protein concentrations do not appear to be a predisposing factor for developing severe serogroup B or C meningococcal disease.
  • The findings suggest that MBP levels are not a primary risk factor for this specific infectious disease in the studied population.

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