A micro method for the estimation of killing and phagocytosis of Candida albicans by human leucocytes

A micro method is described for quantitation of the candidacidal and phagocytic capacity of human neutrophils based on previous studies which showed that non-viable Candida albicans are differentially stained by methylene blue. The assay was performed on a microplate using small numbers of phagocytes (2 x 10(3) per well) and Candida albicans (2 x 10(3) or 8 x 10(3) per well) and both the phagocytic and microbicidal activity could be observed in situ within the phagocytic cell. The technique requires small volumes of blood (2 ml) and simple apparatus. Plates may be stored after fixation of stained preparations which makes it particularly suitable as an initial screen of phagocyte function for routine clinical use.