Abnormal DHR is not always synonymous with a diagnosis of chronic granulomatous disease

Sundus Mohammed Wali M Noorsaeed1, Reza Alizadehfar2, Bruce D Mazer3,4

  • 1Department of Paediatrics Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

BMJ Case Reports
|December 4, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) deficiency, a rare inherited disorder, increases infection risk. This case highlights MPO

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Genetics
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Myeloperoxidase (MPO) deficiency is a rare inherited neutrophil disorder.
  • It is associated with an increased risk of infections, particularly bacterial ones.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a case of MPO deficiency in a pediatric patient with a complex infection.
  • To emphasize the role of MPO in combating specific microorganisms and its diagnostic implications.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a male child with recurrent infections.
  • Diagnostic evaluation including dihydro-rhodamine 123 test and genetic testing for MPO gene mutation.
  • Clinical presentation analysis of renal abscess and enterococcal urosepsis.

Main Results:

  • The patient was diagnosed with MPO deficiency due to a homozygous mutation in the MPO gene.
  • The case demonstrated a link between MPO deficiency and severe, difficult-to-manage infections like renal abscess and urosepsis.
  • An abnormal dihydro-rhodamine 123 test indicated impaired neutrophil function.

Conclusions:

  • MPO deficiency should be considered in pediatric patients presenting with challenging abscesses and recurrent infections.
  • MPO activity is crucial for the effective clearance of certain pathogens.
  • Early diagnosis through genetic evaluation and functional tests is important for managing MPO deficiency.

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