Host-defense mechanisms in hidradenitis suppurativa

Abstract

Host-defense mechanisms were studied in 7 patients with active hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) [bacterial infection of an obstructed apocrine gland]. Granulocyte phagocytic function was measured by ingestion of Staphylococcus aureus labeled with 14C and intracellular killing was determined by bactericidal pour plate method. Chemotaxis was measured by radioactive counting of Na251CrO4 granulocytes migrating in modified Boyden chambers. Granulocyte adherence was estimated in vitro by filtering blood samples through nylon fiber columns. Cell-mediated immunity was measured by intradermal delayed hypersensitivity responses to Candida, mumps, streptokinase/streptodornase and purified protein derivative antigens. No abnormality was demonstrated in any granulocyte or cell-mediated immune function tests. Moreover, all patients had normal immunoglobulin levels and elevated total hemolytic complement. HS is apparently a localized chronic infection of apocrine glands without a generalized defect in host defense.