A case of meningitis with suspected complement deficiency

Meningitis is the inflammation of meningeal membranes due to bacterial, viral or fungal infection. It is commonly considered as a warning sign for the impaired immune system. Herein, we present a case of meningitis attributable to complement deficiency.Case presentation A 52-day-old female was admitted to our center with fever. Sepsis workup was done and broad spectrum antibiotic was started. Blood culture was positive for streptococcus pneumonia. CSF analysis showed pleocytosis, increased protein and hypoglycorrhachia. Despite the negative results of CSF culture and PCR for bacterial and viral pathogens, she received full duration of treatment. Immunologic investigation was done according to the medical history of hospital admission in neonatal period. Serum immunoglobulin level was within normal range for age, flowctometry didn’t show any significant abnormality. However, double check of serum complement level showed dramatically decreased C4 (<1mg/dl) and C3 (25mg/dl).Conclusion: Immunodeficiency disorders generally present with severe infections which could be associated with high rate of morbidity and mortality. This is why Physicians should have a high suspicion to diagnose early signs of impaired immune system to avoid delayed diagnosis and start right treatment.

کلیدواژه ها:

Immunodeficiency ، Complement System ، Recurrent infection ، Bacterial Meningitis