Neutrophil function studies in patients with elevated serum IgE levels and recurring Staphylococcus aureus infections

Robert H. Raynor, Betty B. Wray, Wanda G. Brown, David F. Scott, Gary K. Best

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Leukocyte function tests were performed on seven patients with a history of recurring Staphylococcus aureus infections. Five of the patients had elevated serum immunoglobulin E levels (above 1000 IU/ml) and two had normal IgE levels. Phagocytosis and killing of S. aureus was measured by a microtiter procedure using polymorphonuclear leukocytes isolated by Ficoll centrifugation of dextran-sedimented blood samples. The results revealed that only one of the patients had defective neutrophil function. This patient had the highest serum IgE level of those tested (30,000 IU/ml) and exhibited a diminished bactericidal activity which corresponded with decreased phagocytosis, respiratory burst, and myeloperoxidase activity. None of the reduced function could be corrected by the presence of normal, pooled serum as the source of opsonins. The biochemical basis for this unusual granulocytic defect was not determined, but comparisons were made which showed clear differences from chronic granulomatous disease. Since one of the patients with elevated serum IgE levels manifested an unusual neutrophil defect, additional studies with other such patients may reveal the basis for the recurring S. aureus infection in some of these patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)372-381
Number of pages10
JournalClinical Immunology and Immunopathology
Volume17
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1980

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Immunology

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