Auto-immune neutropenia in an infant

A case of neutropenia in an infant is described, associated with repeated minor infections which responded to treatment with antibiotics. A granulocyte agglutinin was detected in the serum. Following treatment with prednisolone the neutropenia remitted, the antibody disappeared and the infections ceased. Treatment was discontinued after three months and the child remained well five months later. Reports of similar cases are reviewed and the significance of the antibody discussed.