Recurrent gonorrhea infections are associated with what deficiency?

Recurrent gonorrhea infections are associated with terminal complement deficiency. This condition affects the body's ability to fight off certain infections, particularly those caused by encapsulated organisms. The terminal complement system includes components C5 to C9, which are crucial in forming the membrane attack complex (MAC) that lyses bacterial cells. In individuals with terminal complement deficiency, there is an impaired ability to form this MAC, leading to an increased susceptibility to Neisseria species, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Although other deficiencies, such as immunoglobulin deficiencies and selective IgA deficiency, can impact the immune response, they are not specifically linked to recurrent gonorrhea infections as terminal complement deficiency is. For instance, selective IgA deficiency may be associated with recurrent respiratory and gastrointestinal infections but is less directly connected to gonococcal infections. Similarly, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) can lead to opportunistic infections, but it is not the specific deficiency responsible for the recurrence of gonorrhea.