CD14 C-159T and toll-like receptor 4 Asp299Gly polymorphisms in surviving meningococcal disease patients.

Background: Carriage of Neisseria meningitidis occurs approximately in 10% of the population, onset of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) cannot be predicted and differs between ages. It remains unclear, which host factors determine invasion of the bloodstream by the bacteria. Innate immunity has a very important role in the first recognition of invading pathogens.