Which infection is most common in terminal complement deficiency?

Which infection is most common in terminal complement deficiency?

• A. Staphylococcus aureus
• B. Escherichia coli
• C. Neisseria
• D. Streptococcus pneumoniae

Answer: (C)

Terminal complement deficiency impairs formation of the membrane attack complex, which is especially important for killing Neisseria species. Without MAC-mediated lysis, Neisseria meningitidis (and Neisseria gonorrhoeae) can cause invasive infections such as meningococcemia and meningitis more readily. This makes Neisseria infections the most characteristic and common risk in individuals with terminal complement deficiencies. Other bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, or Streptococcus pneumoniae can cause infections in many settings, but they are not specifically tied to MAC deficiency in the same way Neisseria is.

Terminal complement deficiency impairs formation of the membrane attack complex, which is especially important for killing Neisseria species. Without MAC-mediated lysis, Neisseria meningitidis (and Neisseria gonorrhoeae) can cause invasive infections such as meningococcemia and meningitis more readily. This makes Neisseria infections the most characteristic and common risk in individuals with terminal complement deficiencies. Other bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, or Streptococcus pneumoniae can cause infections in many settings, but they are not specifically tied to MAC deficiency in the same way Neisseria is.