What does complement C8 do?
Complement component C8 plays a pivotal role in the formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC), an important antibacterial immune effector. C8 initiates membrane penetration and coordinates MAC pore formation.
What is C8 deficiency?
Deficiency of the eighth component of complement (C8) is a very rare primary immunodeficiency, associated with invasive, recurrent infections mainly caused by Neisseria species.
What is complement deficiency?
Complement deficiency is a form of primary immunodeficiency disorder. Deficiency in any component of the complement system can lead to immunocompromise and overwhelming infection and sepsis. Deficiency can be inherited or acquired and complete or partial. Acquired deficiency can be caused by infection.
How do you identify complement deficiency?
- Laboratory Studies. One can screen for deficiencies in complement by performing the total serum classic hemolytic complement (CH50) test or the alternative hemolytic complement (AP50) test.
- Imaging Studies. No specific imaging studies are indicated.
- Other Tests.
What is measured in the CH50 assay?
The CH50 tests the functional capability of serum complement components of the classical pathway to lyse sheep red blood cells (SRBC) pre-coated with rabbit anti-sheep red blood cell antibody (haemolysin). A fixed volume of optimally sensitised SRBC is added to each serum dilution.
What is the most serious complement deficiency?
C2 deficiency is the most common complement deficiency, with frequency estimates between 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 20,000 for homozygous C2-deficient patients.
How many weeks do you expect the complement level would return to be normal?
These tests help to differentiate poststreptococcal from other postinfectious forms of acute glomerulonephritis. The complement levels generally return to normal by 6-8 weeks after onset.
What causes high CH50?
Increased levels of complement may indicate: Acute-phase immune response. Cancer. Ulcerative colitis.
