infectious diseases
Host Defense Mechanisms Against Infection
Host Genetic Factors
For many pathogens, the host's genetic make-up influences the host's susceptibility and the resulting morbidity and mortality. For example, patients who have deficiencies of the terminal complement components (C5 through C8, perhaps C9) have an increased susceptibility to infections caused by neisserial species (eg, meningococcus, gonococcus). 