GRANULOCYTE FUNCTION IN BACTERIAL INFECTIONS IN MAN

Abstract

The reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) dye and the phagocytic and bactericidal activities of neutrophil granulocytes from 141 patients with bacterial infections and 141 controls were examined and related to granulocyte morphology. In 115 patients (82%), the NBT reduction capacity was higher than in any control. Vacuolization of the cytoplasm and/or toxic granulation of the neutrophils were demonstrated more often in patients with high than low NBT reduction capacity. In 49 patients (35%), the bactericidal activity of the neutrophils was lower than in any control. Of these 49 patients, 38 (78%) had .gtoreq. 25% peripheral juvenile neutrophils as compared with only 12 (13%) of 92 patients with normal activity. Vacuolization of the cytoplasm and/or toxic granulation of the neutrophils were demonstrated in 28 patients (57%) in whom the granulocyte function was reduced and in 26 patients (28%) in whom function was normal. Within wide limits, the NBT reduction capacity increased with diminishing bactericidal activity of the neutrophils. Eighteen patients died of infection; 12 had reduced bactericidal activity. Defects in neutrophil granulocyte function caused by bacterial infection may contribute to a fatal outcome of the disease.