Meningococcal disease in a kidney transplant recipient with mannose-binding lectin deficiency

Transpl Infect Dis. 2007 Sep;9(3):214-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2006.00191.x.

Abstract

We describe the case of a kidney transplant recipient who developed meningococcemia, without meningeal signs, 2 months after transplantation. Plasma levels of complement components C3, C4, and CH 50 were within the normal range. However, using a method to screen for the functional activity of all 3 pathways of complement, no activation via the mannose-binding lectin (MBL) pathway could be detected (0%). A subsequent quantification of MBL pathway components revealed normal levels of MASP 2 but undetectable amounts of MBL. To our knowledge, this is the first report of meningococcal disease after organ transplantation in a patient with MBL deficiency.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Complement Pathway, Mannose-Binding Lectin / immunology
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Mannose-Binding Lectin / deficiency*
  • Mannose-Binding Lectin / metabolism
  • Meningococcal Infections / immunology*
  • Meningococcal Infections / metabolism
  • Meningococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Neisseria meningitidis / immunology*
  • Postoperative Complications

Substances

  • Mannose-Binding Lectin