Deficiency of complement proteins C5 to C8 leads to increased infection by which of the following?
## **Core Concept**
The complement system is a part of the innate immune system that enhances (complements) the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear microbes and damaged cells from an organism. The complement system consists of several small proteins produced by the liver and circulating in the blood as inactive precursors. These proteins play a crucial role in the body's defense against pathogens. The complement system can be activated through three pathways: the classical pathway, the lectin pathway, and the alternative pathway, all of which converge to form the membrane attack complex (MAC) via the terminal complement components (C5 to C9).
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Deficiency of complement proteins C5 to C8 impairs the formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC), which is essential for lysing certain bacteria, particularly Neisseria species. The MAC creates pores in the bacterial cell wall, leading to osmotic imbalance and bacterial lysis. Without C5 to C8, the body is less capable of eliminating Neisseria infections, making individuals more susceptible to diseases like Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcal infections) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea).
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** This option is incorrect because deficiencies in C5 to C8 do not specifically increase susceptibility to infections like Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is more commonly associated with deficiencies in early complement components (C1 to C4) or other immune defects.
- **Option B:** This option is incorrect because while certain viral infections can be problematic for individuals with immune deficiencies, the specific deficiency of C5 to C8 does not notably increase susceptibility to viral infections in general.
- **Option D:** This option is incorrect because deficiencies in C5 to C8 do not particularly predispose individuals to infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa; such susceptibility might be more related to defects in neutrophil function or other aspects of the immune response.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical pearl is that deficiencies in the terminal complement components (C5-C9) are particularly associated with an increased risk of recurrent Neisseria infections, notably Neisseria meningitidis. This association is critical for the management and prevention of infections in patients with these deficiencies, who may benefit from vaccination against Neisseria meningitidis.
## **Correct Answer:**
**Correct Answer: C. Neisseria.**