Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteremia associated with C6, C7, or C8 deficiency

Ann Intern Med. 1979 Jun;90(6):917-20. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-90-6-917.

Abstract

We summarize data from 24 previously described or newly diagnosed cases of homozygous deficiency of the sixth, seventh, or eighth components of complement. Thirteen of 24 patients had at least one episode, and usually two or more episodes of Neisseria meningitidis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteremia, or both. Deficiency of C6, C7, or C8 is a meaningful risk factor for repeated neisserial bacteremia; conversely, hemolytic complement studies are indicated in patients who develop recurrent neisserial infections. When a person with C6, C7, or C8 deficiency is identified, family members should also be studied.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Complement C6 / deficiency*
  • Complement C6 / genetics
  • Complement C7 / deficiency*
  • Complement C7 / genetics
  • Complement C8 / deficiency*
  • Complement C8 / genetics
  • Female
  • Gonorrhea / complications*
  • Homozygote
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / complications*
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / genetics
  • Male
  • Meningococcal Infections / complications*
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae
  • Neisseria meningitidis
  • Recurrence
  • Risk
  • Sepsis / etiology*

Substances

  • Complement C6
  • Complement C7
  • Complement C8