Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Monitoring Neutrophil Elastase and Cathepsin G Activity in Human Sputum Samples
Published on: May 21, 2021
Asthma management by monitoring sputum neutrophil count
Shelley Pallan1, James B Mahony2, Paul M O'Byrne1
1Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health and Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Abstract:
We report the utility of quantitative cell counts in sputum in monitoring therapy of a patient with poorly controlled asthma. Recurrent neutrophilic bronchitis without an eosinophilic bronchitis led to the identification of Chlamydophila pneumoniae as the cause of bronchitis and asthma exacerbation. Serial examination of blood and sputum by polymerase chain reaction for C pneumoniae helped to prevent exacerbations by prophylactic antibiotic therapy, reduce the dose of prednisone and inhaled corticosteroids, and improve asthma control.
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