Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
09:22
High Throughput Fluorometric Technique for Assessment of Macrophage Phagocytosis and Actin Polymerization
Published on: November 27, 2014
Abnormal phagocytic function in children under one year of age
A M Kearns1, H R Ingham, A J Cant
1Department of Clinical Microbiology, General Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.
The Journal of Infection
|March 1, 1996
Summary
White blood cell (WBC) bacterial killing function was assessed in children with serious infections or other conditions. Phagocytic function was impaired in 50% of infected children and 46% of others, with 75% of infants under one year affected.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Microbiology
Background:
- Meningitis and septicaemia are serious infections in children.
- White blood cells (WBCs) are crucial for fighting bacterial infections.
- Proteus mirabilis is a bacterium that can cause infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the phagocytic function of WBCs against Proteus mirabilis in children with meningitis or septicaemia.
- To compare WBC function in these children with healthy adults and children in other medical groups.
Main Methods:
- Assayed WBC bacterial killing activity against Proteus mirabilis.
- Included pediatric patients with meningitis/septicaemia, control children (surgery, renal disease), and adult volunteers.
- Compared phagocytic test results across groups.
Main Results:
- All adult volunteers had normal WBC bacterial killing tests.
- Abnormal phagocytic function was observed in 50% of children with meningitis/septicaemia, 47.6% of surgical patients, and 46% of children with suspected renal disease.
- No significant differences in phagocytic function were found among the three pediatric groups.
- 75% of children aged one year or less exhibited abnormal phagocytic function.
Conclusions:
- Phagocytic dysfunction is common in children with serious infections and other conditions, not specific to meningitis or septicaemia.
- Infants under one year old show a high prevalence of impaired phagocytic function.
- Further research is needed to understand the implications of widespread phagocytic dysfunction in pediatric populations.
Related Concept Videos
00:41Phagocytosis
Cells pull particles inward and engulf them in spherical vesicles in an energy-requiring process called endocytosis. Phagocytosis (“cellular eating”) is one of three major types of endocytosis. Cells use phagocytosis to take in large objects—such as other cells (or their debris), bacteria, and even viruses.The objective of phagocytosis is often destruction. Cells use phagocytosis to eliminate unwelcome visitors, like pathogens (e.g., viruses and bacteria). It is perhaps unsurprising, that many...
00:41Phagocytosis
Cells pull particles inward and engulf them in spherical vesicles in an energy-requiring process called endocytosis. Phagocytosis ("cellular eating") is one of three major types of endocytosis. Cells use phagocytosis to take in large objects, such as other cells (or their debris), bacteria, and even viruses.
The objective of phagocytosis is often destruction. Cells use phagocytosis to eliminate unwelcome visitors, like pathogens (e.g., viruses and bacteria). Many immune system cells, including...
The objective of phagocytosis is often destruction. Cells use phagocytosis to eliminate unwelcome visitors, like pathogens (e.g., viruses and bacteria). Many immune system cells, including...
01:22Lysosomal Hydrolases
Lysosomes are the site for the degradation of macromolecules and biological polymers released during membrane trafficking events such as secretory, endocytic, autophagic, and phagocytic pathways. The membrane-enclosed area of the lysosome, called the lumen, contains hydrolytic enzymes active in an acidic environment. These acid hydrolases are functional at a pH between 4.5 and 5 and are involved in cellular processes such as cell signaling, energy metabolism, restoration of the plasma membrane,...
01:17Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes.
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
01:28Cells of the Innate Immune Response
The innate immune response is an immediate and non-specific response against pathogens, acting swiftly to prevent the spread of infections. The primary cells involved in this response are phagocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
01:25Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Immune surveillance is an integral part of the innate immune system, involving the continuous monitoring of peripheral tissues to detect and respond to pathogens, infected cells, or cancerous cells. This surveillance is conducted primarily by natural killer (NK) cells and phagocytes, which employ distinct but complementary mechanisms to identify and eliminate threats.
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...