A Case Report of a Patient With Chronic Granulomatous Disease and Mannose-Binding Lectin Deficiency

Rationale: CGD is characterized by recurrent life-threatening infections with bacterial and/or fungal pathogens and granuloma formation. This is caused by defects in the phagocyte NADPH oxidase systems. Deficiency of MBL caused by mutations in the coding part of the MBL2 gene is associated with increased risk and severity of infections and autoimmunity. Combined deficiencies of MBL and NADPH oxidase have not been described commonly, and we report one such case. Methods: The patient records were reviewed, and laboratory data collected. Genetic mutation analysis for MBL2 gene was done at IBT laboratory while CGD mutation analysis is pending. Results: A 2 y/o Caucasian male presents with an intermittent fever for several weeks with an enlarging blister in the right anterolateral thigh. The patient had a history of recurrent pneumonias. Chest CT demonstrated prominent interstitial markings with pulmonary nodules. Lung Biopsy revealed multifocal nodular necrotizing granulomas. Neutrophil Oxidative Burst Test was consistent with X-linked CGD (Patient 14.3/Control 1375.5). The serum level of MBL was 25ng/mL (N=\u3e500). MBL genetic analysis showed LXPA/LYPB (the latter being the defective haplotype). Elevated CRP and polyclonal hyperglobulinemia were consistent with previous report in CGD. The patient was treated with itraconazole, bactrim and interferon gamma with consistent improvement. Conclusions: The role of MBL deficiency in this patient with severe necrotizing granulomatous disease of the lung is unclear. However it seems likely that MBL defects will contribute to worse infections in patients with phagocyte malfunction. The true prevalence of MBL defect in CGD needs to be studied

Concomitant Gene Mutations of MBL and CYBB in Chronic Granulomatous Disease: Implications for Host Defense

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is associated with defective function of the NADPH-oxidase system in conjunction with phagocytic defects which leads to granuloma formation and serious infectious complications. This is often associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The association of defective phagocyte function with other coincidental immune defects is unknown. Defects in innate pathways seen with CGD, including complement systems, and toll-like and dectin receptor pathways, have not been described before. We present the case of a 2-year old male patient hospitalized with recurrent pneumonia, a non-healing skin ulcer, necrotizing lung granulomas, and epididymo-orchitis. Defective neutrophil chemiluminescence was detected by dihydrorhodamine (DHR) testing. Further evaluation demonstrated characteristic molecular mutations of CYBB consistent with CGD. Immune evaluation demonstrated polyclonal hyperglobulinemia, but a greatly reduced mannose binding lectin (MBL) level. Six biallelic polymorphisms in MBL gene and its promoter were analyzed using Light Cycler™ Real-time PCR assay. The LXPA/LYPB haplotype of MBL was detected in our patient; the latter is the defective haplotype associated with low MBL levels. Due to the implications for innate immunity and the protection against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections provided by MBL, a deficiency of this protein may have disastrous consequences on the long term outcomes of CGD. MBL deficiency can also complicate other disorders affecting the immune system, significantly increasing the risk of infection in such patients. Further studies looking at the frequency and implications of MBL deficiency in CGD are needed