Moraxella catarrhalis is only a weak activator of the mannose-binding lectin (MBL) pathway of complement activation.
A hemolytic bystander assay was used to assess the functional serum mannose-binding lectin (MBL) activating capacity of five isolates of Moraxella catarrhalis obtained from children who suffered recurrent acute otitis media episodes. Results showed that this organism is only a poor activator of the lectin pathway of complement activation, with subsequent consequences for the etiology of otitis media by this organism.
Hays
John P
JP
Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands. j.hays@erasmusmc.nl
Ott
Alewijn
A
Verduin
Cees M
CM
van Belkum
Alex
A
Kuipers
Saskia
S
D002648:Child; D037582:Complement Pathway, Mannose-Binding Lectin; D006801:Humans; D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin / Q000097:blood*; D001936:Moraxella catarrhalis / Q000502:physiology*; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000382:microbiology*; D013045:Species Specificity
D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin