A unifying concept of polymorphonuclear neutrophil function in acute bacterial infection.

Abstract

AbstractAlteration in neutrophil function during bacterial infection has been variously reported as either increased or decreased depending on the parameter measured, the technique used, and the nature of the infection. The chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and intracellular killing of neutrophils from 2 groups of patients were studied in an attempt to clarify the possible changes during bacterial infection. Chemotaxis was measured with the “leading front” modification of the Boyden micropore technique, and phagocytosis and intracellular killing with a simplified scheme for the interpretation of bactericidal activity. Patients with moderate bacterial infection had increased chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and intracellular killing. Patients with severe infection and toxic changes in the neutrophils had decreased chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and intracellular killing. A unifying concept for the explanation of the observed changes in neutrophil function is proposed.