Development of meningoccal disease: could it depend on serum IgM levels?

Immunoglobulins M, G and A were studied in 88 children with meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. No difference in the level of immunoglobulins was noted between patients and age matched controls. Serial estimations of serum samples taken on admission to the hospital, 48 h after starting treatment, and on the day of discharge showed a marked increase of IgM levels in almost all patients at discharge irrespective of age or sex. Data of this study do not support the theory that IgM deficiency is the cause which favors the development of meningococcal disease.