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. 1976 Oct;14(4):882–887. doi: 10.1128/iai.14.4.882-887.1976

Participation of complement in the nonimmune host defense against experimental Haemophilus influenzae type b septicemia and meningitis.

F J Crosson Jr, J A Winkelstein, E R Moxon
PMCID: PMC415467  PMID: 1086832

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine whether the terminal complement components (C3-9) are involved in the nonimmune host defense against Haemophilus influenzae type b septicemia and meningitis. Using cobra venom factor, infant rats were depleted of C3 and C5. After intranasal challenge with H. influenzae type b, the complement-depleted rats developed a greater incidence and magnitude of bacteremia and a higher mortality rate. In contrast to the effects on bacteremia, complement depletion did not directly influence either the occurrence of meningitis or bacterial multiplication within the cerebrospinal fluid. These experiments provide evidence that the complement system may be an important mechanism of natural immunity to H. influenzae type b.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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