Deficiency of C5-C8 predisposes to infections with which organism?

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Study for the NBME Immunology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Prepare to excel!

Multiple Choice

Deficiency of C5-C8 predisposes to infections with which organism?

Explanation:
The main idea is that the terminal complement components C5 through C9 form the membrane attack complex (MAC), which creates pores in bacterial membranes to lyse cells. If C5–C8 are deficient, MAC formation is impaired, so bacteria that rely on MAC for lysis—especially Neisseria species (Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae)—can invade and spread more easily, leading to recurrent or severe disseminated infections such as meningococcemia. Other bacteria like Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, or Pseudomonas don't have this specific vulnerability to MAC-mediated lysis, so deficiencies in these components don't predispose as strongly to infections with them.

The main idea is that the terminal complement components C5 through C9 form the membrane attack complex (MAC), which creates pores in bacterial membranes to lyse cells. If C5–C8 are deficient, MAC formation is impaired, so bacteria that rely on MAC for lysis—especially Neisseria species (Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae)—can invade and spread more easily, leading to recurrent or severe disseminated infections such as meningococcemia. Other bacteria like Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, or Pseudomonas don't have this specific vulnerability to MAC-mediated lysis, so deficiencies in these components don't predispose as strongly to infections with them.

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