Complement Aberrations in Serum from Children with Otitis Due to S. Pneumoniae or H. Influenzae

Abstract

Complement components Clq, Cls, C3, C4, factor B and properdin were measured, together with CI subcomponent complexes and Cq binding substances in acute and convalescent samples from patients with relapsing and non-relapsing otitis media due to S. pneumoniae1 and H. influenzae. Analysis of Cl subcomponent complexes together with the finding of low Clq levels gave evidence of a disturbed Cl function in actue OME. Furthermore, complement activation by the classical and by the alternative pathways was demonstrated. Complement aberrations were more pronounced in relapsing otitis than in non-relapsing otitis. Clq binding substances that might possibly cause the complement aberrations found were present in most of the patients.