Serum complement component depression during acute adenovirus conjunctivitis.

Serum C1q, C3, C4, and C5 components of complement levels were measured in 35 healthy subjects and 29 patients with acute conjunctivitis due to adenovirus type 2, 7, and 8 infections. Serum C1q and C3 levels were found to be significantly low, and there was no change in serum C4 and C5 levels. A progressive decline in the serum complement level with the severity of disease was observed. The change in the complement levels in serum showed a tendency to reach normal levels with clinical improvement.