Use and results of neutrophil function testing in pediatric immunology

Defective phagocyte Aspergillus killing associated with recurrent pulmonary Aspergillus infections

An apparently healthy boy was suffering from recurrent Aspergillus infections. No classical conditions of immunodeficiency were found. Studies on the patient's phagocytic system revealed neutrophils and monocytes to function normally except in Aspergillus killing (microbicidal activity for bacteria and Candida was normal). Aspergillus killing mechanisms may be complex and peculiarly selective, possibly involving both oxygen-dependent and independent mechanisms.

Effect of beta-lactam antibiotics on migration and bactericidal activity of human phagocytes

The effect of beta-lactam antibiotics upon some functions of human phagocytes was examined. Penicillins (carbenicillin and piperacillin), thienamycin, and cephalosporins (cefotetan, ceftazidime, and moxalactam) had no effect on either the random or directional migration or on the bactericidal activity of neutrophils and monocytes against Staphylococcus aureus. On the contrary, cefoperazone at therapeutic levels was shown to inhibit neutrophil chemotaxis.