Disorders of neutrophil function

Major bacterial infections are most commonly associated with agranulocytosis or an abnormality of immunoglobulins or complement. Occasionally, repeated infections cannot be attributed to these relatively common causes. In such cases, a quantitative abnormality in neutrophil function should be sought. Complete evaluation of neutrophil function, including: chemotaxis, adhesion, aggregation, phagocytosis, granule content and degranulation, respiratory burst activity and bacterial killing is expensive and requires the services of a specialized laboratory. However, preliminary screening of a patient with a predisposition towards infection can be carried out using simple and inexpensive methods. These include examination of blood films, chemotaxis assay, NBT test and peroxidase staining. For final diagnosis and determination of genetic transmission and treatment, specific tests are indicated. Investigation of neutrophil functions may be useful for the diagnosis of congenital and acquired neutrophil disorders. These assays may also be useful in research, diagnosis and follow up of non-infectious diseases with active inflammatory component.