A LOW SERUM CONCENTRATION OF MANNAN-BINDING PROTEIN IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH SEROGROUP-B OR SEROGROUP-C MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE

The mammalian C-type serum lectin, mannan-binding protein (MBP), may induce Clq- and antibody-independent activation of the classical pathway of complement. Accordingly, MBP is considered as a member of the complement system. Complement deficiencies have been found with increased frequency in patients with meningococcal disease. Therefore, we investigated the MBP levels in patients with meningococcal disease. Ninety-nine Norwegian individuals (age 12-21 years) who survived severe systemic disease caused by serogroup B or C meningococci were investigated. No significant differences were observed in the MBP concentration between patients with serogroup B (n = 76) or C (n = 25) disease and healthy blood donor controls (n = 40) (P > 0.05). The frequency of patients with low levels of MBP (< 100 mug/l) was 10.1%. This was not different from controls (12.5%). Thus, low MBP concentrations do not appear to predispose to serogroup B or C meningococcal disease.