Clinical and laboratory work-up of patients with neutrophil shortage or dysfunction

J Immunol Methods. 1999 Dec 17;232(1-2):211-29. doi: 10.1016/s0022-1759(99)00178-7.

Abstract

Neutrophils have a crucial function in the defense against bacteria and fungi. Indeed, during chronic, severe neutropenia and in case of severe neutrophil dysfunctions, the patients may suffer recurrent and sometimes life-threatening infections. This article describes the clinical symptoms, the theory behind the antimicrobial systems of neutrophils, the methods to diagnose the various aberrations, and the possibilities for treating these patients. A few of the most common causes of neutropenia and neutrophil dysfunctions are described in detail, including recent genetic information regarding the cause of these diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine / methods
  • Humans
  • Immune System / immunology
  • Immune System / pathology
  • Neutropenia / blood
  • Neutropenia / diagnosis*
  • Neutropenia / immunology
  • Neutropenia / pathology
  • Neutrophils / immunology
  • Neutrophils / pathology*
  • Phagocyte Bactericidal Dysfunction / blood
  • Phagocyte Bactericidal Dysfunction / diagnosis*
  • Phagocyte Bactericidal Dysfunction / pathology