MBL2 gene variants and susceptibility to meningitis in Egyptian patients

•It is the first study in Egypt to investigate the MBL2 gene variants in meningitis.•MBL2 variant at UTR (PQ/QQ genotypes) may be a potential risk factor for susceptibility to meningitis in Egyptian cases.•Promoter genotypes (XY and YY) of MBL2 gene were associated with susceptibility to meningitis.•MBL2 exon 1 allele(O) was significantly frequent in meningitis patients.•C allele and CC genotype of MBL2 gene could affect the severity and play a protective role in meningitis patients.