Gamma-M Deficiency Predisposing to Meningococcal Septicaemia

Abstract

Serum immunoglobulin levels and meningococcal antibodies were measured in nine patients suffering from meningococcal infection. The bactericidal activity of normal serum to meningococci could be attributed largely to γM globulin. Severe γM deficiency, probably inherited, was found in two boys dying from fulminating meningococcal septicaemia. Other evidence supported the view that γM antibodies are an important humoral defence mechanism and that the normal presence of these antibodies in the blood stream restrains systemic meningococcal infection to the C.S.F. © 1967, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.