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Parameters of normal polymorphonuclear cell function in patients with repeated gonococcal infections
Abstract:
The response to phagocytic stimuli was tested for polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells from gonorrhea repeaters, first-time infected patients, and never-infected controls. PMN function was assessed by measuring quantitative leukocyte iodination, glucose-1-C oxidation, and phagocytosis and killing of Staphylococcus aureus 502A. No significant differences in PMN function were noted for the three groups studied. However, white patients had significantly greater leukocyte iodination than black patients (p less than 0.05) and males tended to have greater leukocyte iodination than females (p less than 0.02). It is concluded that PMN cells from gonorrhea repeaters, first-time infected patients, and never-infected controls respond equally well to in vitro phagocytic stimuli. This implies that a significant defect in PMN cell function should not be implicated as a reason for the apparent susceptibility of gonorrhea repeaters to multiple genital gonococcal infections.
Insights
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.