Recurrent meningococcal sepsis in a presumptive immunocompetent host shown to be complement C5 deficient—a case report

Grimnes G, Beckman H, Lappegård KT, Mollnes TE, Skogen V. Recurrent meningococcal sepsis in a presumptive immunocompetent host shown to be complement C5 deficient—a case report. APMIS 2011; 119: 479–84.

Invasive meningococcal disease is a world wide challenge. Most cases occur in immunocompetent children and young adults, but some immunodeficiencies are linked to a greater risk of invasive neisserial infections. One of these is complement component deficiencies, particularly deficiency of properdin and the terminal complement components. We describe a case of recurrent meningococcal sepsis in a young man who was later diagnosed with complete lack of complement component C5. This case report emphasizes the need of having complement deficiencies in mind when being introduced to patients with invasive Neisseria-infections.