immune testing in meningococcal disease

Last reviewed 06/2021

• test children and young people for complement deficiency if they have had either:
  • more than one episode of meningococcal disease, or
  • one episode of meningococcal disease caused by serogroups other than B (for example A, C, Y, W135, X, 29E), or
  • meningococcal disease caused by any serogroup and a history of other recurrent or serious bacterial infections
• children and young people with recurrent episodes of meningococcal disease should be assessed by a specialist in infectious disease or immunology
• do not test children and young people for complement deficiency who have had either:
  • a single episode of meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B meningococcus, or
  • unconfirmed meningococcal disease
• if a child or young person who has had meningococcal disease has a family history of meningococcal disease or complement deficiency, test the child or young person for complement deficiency
• if a child or young person who has had meningococcal disease is found to have complement deficiency, test their parents and siblings for complement deficiency
• refer children and young people with complement deficiency to a healthcare professional with expertise in the management of the condition
• do not test children and young people for immunoglobulin deficiency if they have had meningococcal disease, unless they have a history suggestive of an immunodeficiency (that is, a history of serious, persistent, unusual, or recurrent infections).

Reference:

• 1) NICE (June 2010). Bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia Management of bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia in children and young people younger than 16 years in primary and secondary care