A familial defect in cellular chemotaxis associated with redheadedness and recurrent infection

This study describes a familial defect in polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis associated with redheadedness and recurrent infection in two of six siblings. Laboratory data indicate that this defect in chemotaxis is not associated with a concurrent defect in leukocyte bactericidal activity. Additional studies demonstrate that although these children experience recurrent infections, immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE) and complement components (total hemolytic complement, Clq, C3 and C3PA) are all within normal limits. Measurements of PMN random mobility and phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocyte transformation were also within normal limits. These studies demonstrate a familial PMN defect limited to leukocyte chemotaxis and associated with recurrent infection and possibly redheadedness.