Defective polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis and bactericidal capacity in a boy with recurrent pyogenic infections.

A 13-year-old boy with a history of recurrent pyogenic infections had abnormalities of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) function which probably accounted for his susceptibility to infection. PMN phagocytosis and nitroblue tetrazolium dye reduction were normal but glucose 14C oxidation was abnormally increased in resting cells. The patient's PMNs possessed decreased bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Also documented were decreased PMN chemotactic activity and leukocyte accumulation in Rebuck skin windows. PMN random motility, PMN bone marrow reserve, PMN kinetics, lymphocyte blastogenesis, and delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity were normal. This patients represents another of the growing number of distinct granulocytopathies currently being recognized which may result in increased susceptibility to infection.