Ascorbate therapy in impaired neutrophil and monocyte chemotaxis. With atopy, hyperimmunoglobulinemia E, and recurrent infection.

Abstract

A Candida albicans corneal ulcer developed in a 24-year-old man with a history of eczema, asthma, and multiple bacterial infections since childhood. The infection responded well to oral flucytosine (12 g/day for 15 days) and topical amphotericin B. Positive laboratory findings included eosinophilla, hyperimmunoglobulinemia E, and impaired neutrophil and monocyte spontaneous migration and chemotactic responses. Ascorbic acid corrected the monocyte defect in vitro and in vivo, but had no effect on neutrophil function.