In turn, immune function decreases and infection opportunities increase. One of the most common mutations deletes 28 DNA nucleotides from the C2 gene. Therefore, no C2 protein which can help make C3-convertase is produced. Ultimately, this delays/decreases immune response. C3: In terms of deficiency of C3, it has been found that 17 mutations in the C3 gene cause problems with C3. This rare condition mutates or prevents C3 protein from forming, lowering the immune systems ability to protect. C4: C4 deficiency is highly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. Aβ42, a protein involved in Alzheimers disease, can cause activation of C4 (even in plasma deficient of C1q). At least one study indicates that the genetic variation of C4 plays a role in schizophrenia. Diagnosis
The diagnostic tests used to diagnose a complement deficiency include:
CH50 measurement
Immunochemical methods/test
C3 deficiency screening
Mannose-binding lectin (lab study)
Plasma levels/regulatory proteins (lab study)

Types
Disorders of the proteins that act to inhibit the complement system (such as C1-inhibitor) can lead to an overactive response, causing conditions such as hereditary angioedema. Disorders of the proteins that act to activate the complement system (such as C3) can lead to an underactive response, causing greater susceptibility to infections. Treatment
In terms of management for complement deficiency, immunosuppressive therapy should be used depending on the disease presented. A C1-INH concentrate can be used for angio-oedema (C1-INH deficiency).Pneumococcus and Haemophilus infections can be prevented via immunization. Epsilon-aminocaproic acid could be used to treat hereditary C1-INH deficiency, though the possible side effect of intravascular thrombosis should be weighed.
Epidemiology
C2 deficiency has a prevalence of 1 in about 20,000 people in Western countries. See also
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria

References
Further reading
Botto, Marina (1 January 2001). "Links between complement deficiency and apoptosis". Arthritis Research & Therapy. 3 (4): 207–210. doi:10.1186/ar301. ISSN 1478-6362. PMC 128896. PMID 11438036. Aghamohammadi, Asghar; Rezaei, Nima (2012). Clinical cases in primary immunodeficiency diseases a problem-solving approach. Berlin: Springer. ISBN 9783642317859. Retrieved 21 September 2016. == External links ==