Living with Type I complement component 8 deficiency
An inherited immune condition that makes repeated meningococcal and related infections more likely.
Understanding Type I complement component 8 deficiency
People with C8 deficiency have repeated infections with Neisseria bacteria, mainly meningococcus. Many are found after a first episode of meningitis after age 10. In type I, the C8 alpha and C8 gamma parts are deficient. Type I and type II look the same clinically.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list a separate symptom list. The summary describes these features:
- Repeated infections with Neisseria bacteria
- Meningococcal infections
- Often a first episode of meningitis after age 10
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says it is autosomal recessive, so a child inherits a changed copy of a gene from each parent. In type I, the C8 alpha and C8 gamma proteins are deficient.
Also known as: c8 alpha-gamma deficiency; c8 deficiency, type i; c8a classic complement early component deficiency; c8ag deficiency; classic complement early component deficiency caused by mutation in c8a; complement c8 deficiency, type i
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Type I complement component 8 deficiency.
Explore research for Type I complement component 8 deficiency
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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