Invasive Meningococcal Disease in a Patient With Complement 7 Deficiency

TL;DR

A 35-year-old Japanese man with a complement 7 deficiency developed invasive meningococcal disease, highlighting the risk in otherwise healthy individuals.

Contribution

This case report adds to the limited understanding of invasive meningococcal disease in Japan associated with complement deficiency.

Findings

A Japanese man with complement component 7 deficiency developed invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B.

The patient, who was otherwise healthy, fully recovered after antibiotic treatment.

Abstract

Neisseria meningitidis
can cause invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). Individuals with primary complement deficiencies are at a higher risk of developing IMD. However, cases of IMD associated with complement deficiency have rarely been reported in Japan. In this case, a 35‐year‐old Japanese man presented with fever and a spreading skin rash. Blood culture identified
N. meningitidis
serogroup B. The patient was treated with antibiotics and fully recovered. Genetic analysis revealed a deficiency in complement component 7. This case highlights that IMD can occur in young, otherwise healthy individuals, some of whom may have underlying complement deficiency.

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