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Parameters of normal polymorphonuclear cell function in patients with repeated gonococcal infections.
Journal of the American Venereal Disease Association
|December 1, 1976
Summary
Polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells from individuals with gonorrhea, regardless of infection history, show similar responses to phagocytic stimuli. This suggests PMN cell function is not the cause of recurrent gonorrhea infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Recurrent gonorrhea infections suggest potential host immune deficiencies.
- Polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells are critical for combating bacterial infections like gonorrhea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell function differs between individuals with gonorrhea (first-time or repeat infections) and never-infected controls.
- To determine if impaired PMN function contributes to the susceptibility of repeat gonorrhea infections.
Main Methods:
- Assessed PMN function using quantitative leukocyte iodination, glucose oxidation, and phagocytosis/killing of Staphylococcus aureus 502A.
- Compared PMN responses across three groups: gonorrhea repeaters, first-time infected patients, and never-infected controls.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in overall PMN function were observed between the three patient groups.
- Leukocyte iodination was significantly higher in white patients compared to black patients (p < 0.05).
- Males showed a trend towards higher leukocyte iodination than females (p < 0.02).
Conclusions:
- PMN cells from individuals with gonorrhea (repeaters or first-time) and controls exhibit comparable responses to in vitro phagocytic stimuli.
- Impaired PMN cell function is unlikely to be the primary reason for the increased susceptibility to recurrent genital gonococcal infections.