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Bacterial meningitis and septicaemia is a global health problem often caused by Neisseria meningitidis. The complement system is the most important aspect of host defence against this pathogen, and the critical interaction between the two is influenced by genetic polymorphisms on both the bacterial and the host side; variations of the meningococcus may lead to increased survival in human sera, whereas humans with complement deficiencies are more susceptible to meningococcal infections. Here we discuss the mechanisms of meningococcal resistance against complement-mediated killing and the influence of both bacterial and host genetic factors.

Type

Journal article

Journal

Vaccine

Publication Date

30/12/2008

Volume

26 Suppl 8

Pages

I34 - I39

Keywords

Bacterial Capsules, Blood Bactericidal Activity, Complement System Proteins, Humans, Lipopolysaccharides, Meningococcal Infections, Neisseria meningitidis