Granulocyte adherence assay in acute infection as a reflection of the host resistance

The in vitro granulocyte adherence assay was used in six healthy individuals and 14 patients who had acute gram-negative infection to determine whether or not the assay is altered with acute infection and whether or not it adequately reflects the host resistance. The granulocyte adherence values for all patients were significantly lower than those for healthy individuals. In eight patients who recovered, the initial mean value did not differ from that of six patients who died, 7.2 +/- 5.9 and 7.0 +/- 10.9 per cent, respectively, with 50 milligram nylon fiber columns and 53.9 +/- 3.2 and 54.5 +/- 7.2 per cent with 80 milligram nylon fiber columns. However, it was significantly different, p less than 0.001, in both groups of patients from that in the group of healthy individuals, 24.2 +/- 2.5 per cent with 50 milligram columns and 85.7 +/- 4.6 per cent with 80 milligram columns. Subsequently, a significant change in granulocyte adherence, p less than 0.002, occurred in the patients who recovered. Values rose in all of these patients, while they remained low or further declined in those who died. These observations indicate that the in vitro granulocyte adherence capability is reduced in severe acute gram-negative infection and that if reflects the ability of the host to overcome the infection.