title: Mannose-binding lectin deficiency and predisposition to recurrent infection in adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The effects of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) deficiency are well known in children and in those with a compromised immune system. However, its effects in adults are debateable, with little research having been carried out in the UK regarding infection risk in otherwise healthy adults with an MBL deficiency.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using an ELISA, we investigated the prevalence of MBL deficiency in both healthy adults and those with recurrent infection. The aim was to determine first if there was a disparity in MBL levels between the two groups and second to investigate the effect of severe deficiency.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, the difference between the two groups for MBL level was found not to be statistically significant (p=0.203); however, there was a higher prevalence of severe deficiency (MBL<75 ng/mL) in the patients with recurrent infection (p=0.03).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It was concluded that there is justified reason for continuing to perform the MBL test in adult patients suffering recurrent infection.
authors.affiliation: Immunology Department, Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Chertsey, UK.
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Holdaway
authors.affiliation: Immunology Department, Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Chertsey, UK.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Deacock
authors.affiliation: Department of Mathematics, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: Immunology Department, Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Chertsey, UK Immunology Department, Frimley Park Hospital, Frimley, UK.
authors.forename: Yousuf
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Karim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000235:genetics; D008661:Metabolism, Inborn Errors / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012008:Recurrence; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin
keywords: COMPLEMENT; IMMUNODEFICIENCY; INFECTIONS